One of my biggest fears is making a long term mistake. I don't mind failing if it means I can quickly make corrections, but a series of errors that takes a long time to unravel often leaves behind an unpleasant feeling. Regret is not something I necessarily believe in, but such an error does make us question our choices.
A mistake only becomes more difficult to correct with time. The worst type of ignorance is not realising that you're making a mistake until it's late. Sadly, that affects the overwhelming majority of us at one point in life or the other. For some of us it may even be happening right now. We think because the consequences of our actions and inactions are not served daily that we're immune; we are not. While a number of factors do lead to this outcome, there is one that really irks me -Arrogance.
I love confidence and intelligence as much as the next person, but am not naive to the extent that I become unwilling to consider other lines of thought or modes of action. Yet I have observed this happening at an increasing pace. We come up with or stumble on a line of thought and would rather ride it out than change it even when it no longer serves.
On the flip side there is paranoia. While this is the one most normal people won't recommend I do think a small dose of paranoia will do wonders for our ability to make accurate choices and decisions. It's all a balancing act, but am convinced that the beginning of a fall often starts with the belief of invincibility, especially when it comes to choices and perceptions.