Learn From Your Mistakes

Making mistakes can be a painful experience for you and others, but it's part of being human and will ultimately help you develop character, self-awareness and understanding for others. Whether you're an average Joe or a world leader, everyone makes mistakes and everyone can learn from them. Approaching your flubs with dignity and humility can help you turn a mistake into an opportunity.

Instructions

1. • Admit your mistake. All too often, both in a work  environment and at home, people refuse to own up to their mistakes, preferring to pass the buck. Naturally, there's a fear of repercussions, but you'll be surprised to find that most people respect someone confident and mature enough to admit his mistake, and in the end the punishment, if there is one, will be much more lenient.
   • Identify the seriousness of the mistake. You should honestly assess the type of mistake you've made before you decide what to do next. Obviously, there's no need to cry over spilled milk or own up to things that have little to no affect on others. But mistakes that cause others (or yourself) to suffer or that in some other way have larger repercussions are certainly worth addressing.
   • Analyze your mistake. Ask yourself whether this is a mistake you've made before. Repeat offenses suggest a pattern of behavior that is worth exploring. Why did you make the mistake? Was the mistake accidental or did you know what you were doing? You need to be brutally honest with yourself if you hope to address the causes of your mistakes, whether they be lack of attentiveness or a deeper character flaw.
   • Apologize. If you've determined that the mistake you've made has had a negative affect on others, say that you're sorry. While you can explain what you're doing to change your behavior, don't make excuses or justify the mistake. That is not a true apology. Keep in mind that it may take some time to earn back the trust of the person you've injured.
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     Learn. Having made amends with others, it's time to make amends with yourself. If your mistake was made because of lack of training, for example, take a class. If the mistake was a result of selfishness, ignorance, arrogance and so on, you need to make a conscious effort to change those tendencies. If you practice generosity, compassion and humility you will find that they soon become more natural to you.
   • Move on. Dwelling on a mistake can stymie personal growth. Wallowing in self-loathing and regret can lead to a downward spiral that may end in giving up rather than taking action to change. Give yourself a break, and remember that everyone makes mistakes.