Mistakes happen. We all make them, it is part of what makes us human. How you react and respond to mistakes is something that shows your character. It is common for many of us to instantly begin to beat ourselves up over our mistakes, fixating on the lack of perfectionism. But is this truly a great, or even healthy way to react to making a mistake? Rather than looking at mistakes as a strictly negative thing, look at them as opportunities. What these opportunities are, are ultimately up to you, but they’re endless.
- Mistakes force you to look at the present moment and see why you made the mistake.
- Mistakes can also mean a time for reflection and growth. This reflection can be on ourselves – how it makes us feel, what we could do differently, what we have learned. This reflection can also be a reflection on others – how does this affect them, how does it make them feel? From this reflection, one can look at things differently and expand one’s perspective.
- Mistakes also force you to be honest with yourself. This isn’t something we want to do or often do, except for when we are faced with a mistake. We must think about what we did and why it happened.
- Reflecting on your mistake motivates you to do better. This can include becoming a more efficient planner, and being patient with yourself and others to avoid the same mistakes.
- With all of this honest reflection and growth, one begins to become their ideal version of themself. Mistakes allow you to build character and realize that you are human and make mistakes. In order to change these mistakes, you must change yourself.
- Once you are able to reflect on your own mistakes, you can share your experience with others. Again, this ties into the idea that as humans we all make mistakes. So now that you have learned from your mistakes, you can help others grow as well. This can be done by giving them advice you wish you were told or sharing your challenge and what you would have done differently.
- Mistakes remind you that you do not deserve or are entitled to everything that comes your way. You gain a sense of humility through understanding that you may not excel or be the best at everything. It is a reminder that you have flaws.
- Lastly, mistakes hold you accountable. One must take ownership of their mistakes, as it is hard to work your way out of them. By taking ownership, you become a stronger version of yourself and that furthers the growth you have already made.
So the next time you make a mistake, catch yourself before you start down the long road of “what if’s” and extreme self-criticism. Instead, try to remember the gifts that mistakes bring you and what you can do to become the best version of yourself from this mistake. You are not your mistakes, but you are what you do with them. You have the power to change the way you view mistakes and the chances of them happening again.
If you are struggling with self-criticism or allowing yourself to make mistakes, it may help to talk with someone. Having a partner to share these thoughts and behaviors with can help understand why this happens. Give us a call at Life Skills Resource Group Orlando at 407-355-7378 to schedule a free phone consultation with one of our Orlando Individual Counselors. Or if your child or adolescent is struggling with these issues, our Orlando Child Counselors, Orlando Adolescent Therapists, and Orlando Teen Counselors would gladly help them figure out these thoughts and behaviors.