First off, have you ever stood at the crossroads of a big decision and thought, “What if I mess this up?” Well, you’re not alone. That’s where the “Is it reversible?” principle comes into play. It’s the same as if you ask yourself, “If I take this chance and it turns out that I shouldn’t mix vodka and energy drink, can my liver recover?”

Take choosing an ice cream flavor, for example. It’s a low-stake, reversible decision. If the new taste doesn’t work out very well, you’re just a scoop away from your tried-and-true favorite. On the flip side, impulsively quitting your job to start a sea shanty band requires more pause for thought.

The “Is it reversible?” principle isn’t necessarily just crazy feats; it’s really about smart risk management and lessening the fallout from decisions that don’t pan out. This way of thinking promotes a forward-looking attitude towards life’s unpredictability, helping you handle challenges more flexibly and resiliently. It recognizes that not every risk will pay off, but it ensures that the consequences of those that don’t are manageable, turning every experience into a chance for growth with limited downside.

So, why might one adopt a “dive in and see” approach to decisions? Here are a few points to consider:

1. Limiting Negative Outcomes: this principle is about minimizing the impact of unfavorable results. By focusing on reversible decisions, it allows for a safety net when venturing into new territories. This approach reduces the risk associated with trying new things, making it easier to cope with and learn from any adverse outcomes
2. The Value of Experience: Often, we hear stories that didn’t work out as expected, yet they’re rich with lessons. Those lessons go far beyond what any book can offer. What if things go south? Well you’ve just earned yourself a story worth sharing.
3. Time Efficiency: This principle promotes quick decision-making, basically it saves you from prolonged deliberation. By swiftly acting or adjusting, you save time that can be better spent on more promising opportunities.
4. The Power of Taking That First Step: Initiating action is usually the toughest part. Embracing a “just do it” attitude can get you moving. Often, the momentum gained from starting can lead you to places you never expected.
5. Seizing Opportunities: Life’s opportunities often come without a loud announcement. Waiting for the perfect moment might mean missing out on great prospects.
6. Cultivating Flexibility: Being ready to step back if things don’t go as planned teaches you to be adaptable and resilient. It’s about learning to sway with life’s challenges without breaking, much like a bamboo in the breeze.
7. Boosted Creativity: Knowing you can backtrack encourages risk-taking and innovation. Hard to disagree.

However, it’s not all about reckless leaps of faith, remember, it’s all math and risk management. The thrill of “just going for it” needs to be balanced with a thoughtful consideration of risks and the reversibility of your decisions. Diving without checking for a safety net below isn’t bravery; it’s recklessness. For those interested in the risk assessment I strongly recommend books of this guy: Nassim Nicholas Taleb – “Fooled by Randomness”, “The Black Swan”, “Antifragile”, All great reads. If I were to summarize the generic and non-financial lessons from these books:

• Be ready for surprises: Don’t expect things to always go as planned. Be prepared for anything.
• Watch out for hidden dangers: Look deeper than the obvious risks. Stay alert for unexpected problems.
• Value flexibility: Choose to be adaptable instead of sticking strictly to a plan. It’s okay to make changes.
• Risks can grow: Small risks can add up and become big problems if ignored.
• Small risks are useful: Taking little risks can teach you and make you stronger.

All great thoughts to consider adding into your worldview.

Wrap up

The essence of the “Is it reversible?” principle and the courage to “just go for it” lies in finding the right balance between careful planning and bold action. It’s about making choices that are both informed and adventurous. So the next time you’re faced with a decision, ponder its reversibility. If the risk isn’t monumental, perhaps it’s an adventure worth embarking on. Ultimately, each decision, whether it leads to success or provides a valuable lesson, represents a step forward on the wonderful path of life.