Wrong

Have you ever watched TEDtalks? They're kind of like the best, nerdiest thing ever. Well, that's what I've spent my shift today doing, watching TEDtalks. One of the ones I watched was titled "On Being Wrong," by Kathryn Schulz. It was precisely that. Why are we so afraid of being wrong? Schulz has spent her life studying error, and human behavior regarding it. She spoke of what it actually feels like to be wrong. That is, it feels like being right, up until that moment when you look down and you've already gone off the cliff, and you're hanging in midair. (I wish I could take credit for this explanation, but it's pretty much word for word what Schulz said).
So what if we weren't afraid of being wrong? More importantly, what if I wasn't afraid of being wrong? I've even had teachers and professors comment on my lack of confidence in my academic life. Now, it might seem like I'm considering going all out, no holds barred, nothing matters type of deal. But, I'm really just thinking more about not being afraid of guessing, of trying, of putting your ideas out there for discussion and criticism. That's kind of the spirit that TEDtalks embodies.
While watching this video, my AVID tutoring boss walked in to say hello. We started talking about just this, as well as my research for this summer on math tutoring in which my team will be identifying top issues students struggle with and ways to correct them. A lack of confidence is most certainly an issue. At the same time, we don't want students to go to the other extreme, where guessing overtakes rationalizing and analyzing. Where is that balance?
I think I may just read Schulz's book now.
What do you think? Are you afraid of being wrong? What have you done to change your self-criticism in this area?