3 Tips on How to Embrace Your Mistakes
None of us like making mistakes. Especially when other people are watching. Mistakes have consequences, and they’re never fun to deal with. If you’re a perfectionist, making mistakes is a much bigger issue.
It implies you’ve lost control.
It means others will scorn or condemn you.
It promises their disappointment and disapproval.
And your inner critic will capitalize on the moment to say you’re incompetent. It’s untrue, of course. But when has the truth ever stopped your inner critic?
It doesn’t have to be this way.
You can train yourself to accept your mistakes. To learn from them. To embrace them as opportunities to grow and improve. You’ll never look forward to making them. But you’ll no longer be crushed by them.
Here are three things you can start doing right now to change how you regard your mistakes.
1. Own them
It’s unpleasant. Your ego gets involved. Your self-esteem might take a hit. Others may judge you. I get it. I’ve lived it. But nothing else matters if you don’t take ownership.
2. Correct them
Mistakes are rarely final. There’s almost always a way to fix them. To set things right. To repair the damage. When you mess up, look for a way to remedy the situation.
It may not be easy. But it’ll shift your mindset from one rooted in self-doubt and perfectionism to one focused on solutions, resilience, and growth.
3. Review them
You’re embarrassed that you screwed up. Ashamed. Mortified, even.
But why?
Mistakes are a natural part of life. Everyone makes them. And while some mistakes carry significant consequences, they’re never intentional. So, give yourself a break. Then, ask yourself:
Why did it happen? What did I learn about myself? How do I avoid making this mistake in the future?
Reframe your mistake.
It’s not the end of the world. It’s a chance to learn and improve. And once you’re past the self-inflicted humiliation (thanks, inner critic!), you might even chuckle about it. But one step at a time.
Source: Damon Zahariades
“You need to give yourself permission to be human.”
– Joyce Brothers
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