I am learning to be comfortable with my mistakes.
It is something on which I am ACTIVELY working. I make mistakes ALL THE TIME and trying not to make mistakes is exhausting.
The way 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 – then stop at once after the time has expired.
- Talk to someone you trust about the mistake you made to allow you space to unpack the decision-making process around the mistake – and gain perspective.
- Choose to be compassionate; there is no upside to beating yourself up.
- Say you are sorry and make whatever amends are needed as soon as possible.
- Mentally rehearse (visualize) how you manage a comparable situation in the future.
- MOVE ON.
Here is an immutable fact: You are human, and humans make mistakes.
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 are at accepting ourselves, and others, the more compassionate we become.” ~ Brené Brown.
It always starts with YOU.
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