It's the second mouse that gets the cheese

A contemplation on learning from mistakes and spotting opportunities

So, this morning I posted an early greeting message in my work message group welcoming the early birds on the team, and the responses eventually moved to a discussion about early birds. This reminded me of one of my favourite whimsical thoughts that while “it is the early bird that gets the worm, it is the second mouse that gets the cheese”.

While this is obviously mostly a funny observation and a bit of a joke, and does suggest an earlier unmentioned tragedy for the first mouse (who is to be compared to the early bird in this scenario I guess) it does have some life lessons and worthwhile learnings.

Sometimes we can beat ourselves up with what we percieve as missed opportunities, or not meeting our own expectations for high performance and effort, but what we can lose out on from not following our early intentions can pivot into new opportunities and benefits.

Sometimes it is a matter of luck or circumstance to not be the first to achieve something or even to be the hardest working in a given scenario. By objectively spotting the mistakes and lessons from others, and yourself, and being mindful and unbiased then it is possible to evaluate the best decision to make in the current circumstances.

Just as the second mouse waits for the right moment to seize the cheese, we too can find success by timing our actions wisely.

Embracing this mindset can also reduce the pressure we put on ourselves to always be the first or the best. It allows for a more sustainable pace, where we can appreciate the journey rather than fixate solely on the outcome. This shift in perspective can lead to greater overall well-being and fulfillment.

Moreover, it's a reminder that opportunities are often abundant, and missing one doesn't mean the end of the road. New opportunities can arise from unexpected places, and being open to these possibilities can lead to rewarding experiences we might have otherwise overlooked.