One of my basic life strategies seems to be: either don't do something, or do it and don't be sorry. I use this all the time, for all kinds of things. For exam

One of my basic life strategies seems to be: either don't do something, or do it and don't be sorry. I use this all the time, for all kinds of things. For example, I'm not insightful when it comes to dressing myself. Recently I wasn't sure whether it would be OK to wear black socks with shorts. I thought about it, and decided it was OK, so I do it. Someone might try to give me a hard time about it, but it wouldn't sting unless they thought of something I hadn't. Or when I write something online, I try to think about how I would talk if the readers were in the same room. I try to be compassionate and fair. I try to think whether what I'm saying is just. Often, the draft doesn't survive the process because I realize I'm just angry or want to be snarky. But if I re-re-read it and I'm OK with it, then I say it, and whatever happens will happen. Maybe someone will catch me in an error. Then I'll feel bad and apologize sincerely and try to do better, but try not to beat myself up too much. Everyone makes mistakes. No big deal. If you form the habit of asking yourself whether what you're doing is OK, I think it vaccinates you somewhat against both shallow criticism and self-doubt.