I am learning to be comfortable with my mistakes.
It’s something I am actively working on. I make mistakes ALL THE TIME and trying to not make mistakes is exhausting.
This week I made pretty big mistake. It was made in front of people that I care about. I knew it and they knew it.
The way that we move on from our mistakes matters.
Here are a few suggestions:
- Allow yourself to feel the shame, guilt, or disappointment for a set period of time.
- Talk to someone you trust.
- Choose to be compassionate, there is no upside to beating yourself up.
- Say you are sorry, repair what has been broken if possible, as soon as possible.
- Mentally rehearse how you wish you had done it.
- Move on.
You are human. Mistakes are human. Allow yourself to be human and give that gift to others.
In Brené Brown’s book “The Gifts of Imperfection” she says:
“Life-paralysis refers to all of the opportunities we miss because we are too afraid to put anything out into the world that could be imperfect. It’s also all of the dreams that we don’t follow because of our deep fear of failing, making mistakes, and disappointing others. it’s terrifying to risk when you’re a perfectionist; your self-worth is on the line.”
Fear of failing.
Fear of making mistakes.
Fear of disappointing others.
FEAR.
What are you afraid of?
Is it possible that you have misunderstood mistakes all along?
What if you are supposed to make a lot of mistakes?
What if you need to make mistakes?
What if making mistakes is the only way to become who you want to be?
What if the road to what you want is paved with mistakes?
What if there is no other way?
These questions are often just enough to wiggle loose some of my older, more insidious thoughts that have kept me stuck and afraid for too long. They might work for you, too.
You can make mistakes and still be an amazing human worthy of love.
Others can make mistakes and still be amazing humans worthy of your love.
“The better we area at accepting ourselves, and others, the more compassionate we become.” Brené Brown.
It always starts with YOU.
Feeling like your mistakes have gotten the best of you? We may need to talk. Sign up for a free mini-session.
