If we never experience the feedback of others, we can only rely on our own. It’s often faulty, so self-correction is seldom. We continue to repeat the same patterns because they are comfortable. This mindset is what I call a bubble state. It’s a major theme in my book The In-Between: Life in the Micro.

In the book, I talk about how limiting bubble states are. They keep us macro-focused, seeking some accomplishment. Nothing connected to achieving this doesn’t matter. It’s a relentless obsession and prevents self-correction. Overcoming it means you have to be open to input from outside sources.

Bubble States Are Insular

Imagine that this bubble state is a literal armor that doesn’t allow anything to penetrate it. Being in this scenario, you never consider anything outside yourself. I know from experience that a bubble state keeps you disconnected. In the end, there’s always collateral damage.

A bubble state is insular and sits in the macro. The outcome could be that you reached your goal but failed to learn lessons and enjoy the micro-moments.

Coming out of a bubble state is a hard journey. It requires reflection and building awareness. A key component is welcoming input and feedback.

Self-Correction Requires Living in the Micro

What happens when you leave the bubble state and live in the micro? It’s like an evolution. You transition from only desiring to achieve the target to learning from the micro-moments. In this shift, you open yourself to connection and feedback.

Living in the micro may seem mundane. Yet, every monumental moment is the result of a million small ones. Setting goals and pursuing them is never a bad trait to have. It’s how you go about it that needs to change.

There are things to learn in every interaction. A brief conversation can have a great impact in the long run. Even if you expressly practice this, you’ll still make mistakes, falling into the trap of a macro focus. I do, however, realize that there are times when I miss feedback in front of me.

There Is No Failure, Only Feedback

When I feel the pull of the macro, I recenter my thoughts to allow me to exist in the in-between. One mantra that helps me do this is reminding myself there is no failure. Most things in life won’t go the way you expect or need. Rather than label it as a failure, I believe there’s only feedback, and taking action delivers this.

When you examine the input you receive, your intentions in a situation can change. You’ll set intentions for every experience, but they need to be agile. Rigid intentions are bubble state behaviors.

Being able to accept feedback is crucial to self-correction, which enables us to become better people, personally and professionally. It can come from family, friends, colleagues, or even a coach. You can’t do this alone, which makes it more difficult. It’s hard to ask for and receive help from others, yet it’s critical to self-correction and finding peace and joy.

Learn more about the value of feedback by reading my book.