One of the most dreadful things that can happen in our lives making a mistake. We avoid making mistakes to the best o our abilities. Committing an error not only dwindles the confidence we have in ourselves but it is also embarrassing to admit that we erred. We felt our self-esteem diminishing as if people will hate us the moment we admit we made a mistake. It’s even difficult for us to say “sorry.” Does that ring any bell to you? We bet you do. We all wish to be perfect in everything we do to avoid facing this embarrassing predicament.
However, we need to accept the truth that making mistakes is inevitable. As human beings, we’re not perfect. Therefore, whether you like it or not, you need to live with the fact that you’ll make a mistake at some time in life sooner or later.
“A man should never be ashamed to own he has been in the wrong, which is but saying… that he is wiser today than he was yesterday.” – Alexander Pope
The challenge right now is how to embrace mistakes and avoid repeating them. Here are our four tips on how to learn from your mistakes.
Take note of your mistakes
Most of the times, we commit mistakes because we’re not familiar with what we are doing. This mostly happens when we’re doing something for the first time. You have to understand that since it’s your first time to do it, you’re still in the process of familiarizing with it. Therefore, it’s normal for you to make some mistakes. In fact, you won’t learn if you don’t commit a mistake because that is part of a learning process.
Therefore, whenever you commit a mistake, write it down. Also, list down the problems you face. Then, when you finally figure things out (or sometimes your superior corrects you), list down the solution. This way, next time, you’ll avoid making the same mistake twice.
Learn from the mistakes of your peers
You’re not the only one who makes mistakes. Other people around you make mistakes too. Ensure that you learn from the mistakes of your peers, friends, and colleagues. Pay close attention to any challenges or trials they’ve faced before. Listen to their stories about the mistakes they’ve made in life and how they rectified them. When you encounter a similar situation in your life later on, you’ll be more than prepared to tackle it head on without making the same mistakes they made.
Inspect your checklist
It’s important to list all the things you need, want, and must do in life. In this way, you’ll be able to have a grasp of the things you should do. This will make you organized and ensure that you don’t forget anything. In the process, you reduce your chances of making mistakes.
Never become complacent
Just because your life is going smoothly and you’re succeeding doesn’t mean that you become complacent. Never be proud of yourself to the point of looking down upon other people down. This is precisely the most common mistake that people make. They feel that they’re on top of the world until they forget where they once started.
You should know by now that the world is round. What goes up must come down. No matter how successful you are, you must expect emergency cases that may bring you down from hidden corners. Therefore, instead of bragging about your achievements and success in life, stay humble all the time.
