Mistakes are not the end of the World
Mistakes are not the end of the world, though they may feel like it at the time. It’s all in how we view them. Usually there is a message of some kind if we look for it…..
Just yesterday, I made quite an embarrassing spelling error in one of my posts on my business blog, www.personalproductivity101.com, one of the other hats I wear. Fortunately, one of the readers who also happens to be a co-worker and friend caught the error quickly and I was able to rectify it right away. I was absolutely mortified, but did not beat myself up over it as I would have in years past. That shows significant progress for me personally! This time I corrected my mistake, was able to laugh at myself and move forward.
As a positive consequence of this more relaxed way of responding to the inevitable mistakes that will happen I was also able to analyze my error without emotion and find the lesson. I had been rushing and trying to do too many things at once. When that happens my focus is not as sharp as it ought to be and things slip past my notice. I am making myself a reminder for my bulletin board that hangs over my desk to “slow down and focus.” Gee that sounds exactly like what I tell my 10 year old when he makes homework errors, hmmm…good advice.
Don’t get me wrong, I still harbor the desire to be perfect in the recesses of my mind, but I presently am beginning to accept the impossibility of that reality and the flawed perception of that concept. We are all human. Certainly strive to do your best – there’s nothing wrong with that. But sometimes all you can do is roll your eyes and laugh at yourself. Life is too short! To quote one of my most respected friends and mentor, “nobody died.” Anything else will pass.
Amends
Make it a rule of life never to regret and never look back. Regret is an appalling waste of energy; you can’t build on it; it is good only for wallowing in.-Katherine Mansfield
Looking back and regretting are much different than examining, making amends, and moving on. When we constantly revisit our past and regret, we are indulging in the self-centered activity of beating up on ourselves over the mistakes in our past.
All of us have made errors in judgment and taken missteps. When we have operated out of the haze of guilt and under the illusion of perfection, we have done much harm to ourselves and others. We cannot build a life on guilt, shame and regret. We indeed can only wallow in them!
If you need to make amends, then by all means do so. You and the other party will both benefit. Be sincere and heartfelt, but do not slip into blame and self flagellation – that does not help anybody.
John Walsh of AMW – Making a Difference
John Walsh has become a driving force for justice, channeling his anger and sorrow that resulted from the abduction and murder of his son Adam into the Fox TV series America’s Most Wanted. Since 1988, he has helped capture over 1050 violent criminals and return of over 50 missing children! This is one of the best examples of how one person can turn an unimaginable tragedy into a meaningful triumph that results in ongoing world changing results.
Read more about John Walsh of America’s Most Wanted and see information, photos and video of his 1000-th episode and his interview with President Obama…
One person can make a difference!
