The benefits of mistakes (IV)

“Forget what happened in the past, and do not dwell on events from long ago.
I am going to do something new. It is already happening. Don’t you recognize it?
I will clear a way in the desert. I will make rivers on dry land.” Isaiah 43:18–19

Our subject of discussion has been the benefits of mistakes. Making mistakes is inevitable but the key is never to be grounded by any mistake.

“Mistakes are going to happen and we cannot live life in fear of mistakes. When mistakes do happen, it’s important to think about why that mistake happened and learn how to avoid making it again. It’s also important to find a positive outcome that came from making that mistake. Bouncing back is hard, but you bounce back with more experience than before.” — Shalyn Dever, Chatter Buzz

We must discipline ourselves to come out of the negative emotions that come with mistakes — regret, guilt, disappointment, frustration, depression, despair etc.

“I believe the key is not letting emotion get in the way. Problems are often much bigger in our minds than they are in reality. Instead of wallowing on the mistake you’ve made, focus on what you can do to correct the issue. You will begin to feel better when you start doing things to address the issue and feel like you are back in control.” — Matthew Paulson.

When we make mistakes we must bounce back from the negativity that comes with making mistakes and critically analyse what happened by asking questions. We must spend time to think it through and learn lessons from our mistakes.

“While you don’t want to dwell on your mistakes, reflecting on them can be productive. Ask yourself a few tough questions: What went wrong? What could I do better next time? What did I learn from this? Write down your responses and you’ll see the situation a little more clearly. Seeing your answers on paper can help you think more logically about an irrational or emotional experience.” — Amy Morin.

When we develop the ability to review our lives and discover and learn from our mistakes we will not find it strange or surprising when people point out our mistakes we already know before they point it out.

“It is with pleasure I receive reproof, when reproof is due, because no person can be readier to accuse me than I am to acknowledge an error when I am guilty of one; nor more desirous of atoning for a crime, when I am sensible of having committed it.” — George Washington.

When we review our mistakes we must not only learn from them but teach others under our influence the lessons we have learnt.

“The times in our lives when we feel we have the least power can actually be the times we have the most — when we can affirm or redefine who we are and what we believe, and make choices that help others benefit from our experiences, good and bad. When you make mistakes, make a point of teaching others what you’ve learned. Doing so builds connection and trust. The best leaders are the great teachers, coaches, and guides who show us the way after they have been down that path.” — Lolly Daskal.