"Successful mistakes." Sounds like an oxymoron, doesn't it? Can there actually be a link between blunders and success? The answer to this question is a resounding yes! As human beings we err regularly -- mistakes are common. Unfortunately, we tend to view errors as failures. We overlook the possibility that the seeds of success are planted within our blunders.
The Hidden Benefits of Mistakes Failures often lead us to successes -- Becoming successful in life requires that we take risks, and risks often involve failure. Provided we chose to learn from them, our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Mistakes remind us that we are human -- It is important to remember that we are fallible human beings. Errors get our attention in this way, and help us become more understanding of others' foibles. Blunders lead to personal growth and development -- Humans tend to avoid growth and change. We prefer to stick with what's familiar. Pain is the one experience that may encourage us to step out on a limb and try something different.
Although we can ultimately choose to benefit from our blunders, they can cause us great discomfort in the short term.
Maximize the Value of Your Mistakes Acknowledge feelings of disappointment, loss and annoyance about your error. These feelings are normal and it is OK to allow yourself time to experience them. Step back and put your error in perspective. Remember other mistakes you have made, and how you've gotten past them. Think through your blunder and take some time to answer the following questions: What will you do differently in the future to avoid a similar mistake? What else have you learned from this experience? What possible silver lining can you find in this error? Talk to a mentor or trusted friend about your mistake. Their moral support will prove invaluable. Better yet, maybe they'll share some of their past gaffes, and you'll both get a good laugh over the situation! If your mistake has adversely impacted someone else, acknowledge it and sincerely apologize for it. Where appropriate, let others know what you've learned from your mistakes. Your input may keep them from stepping into similar booby traps. It will also let them know that you are human.Once you have taken the above steps, refuse to beat yourself up about your mistake. Continuing to ruminate about your "goof" will merely drain your energy and keep you from moving forward in a positive way.
Life's mistakes cannot be erased. But with care and attention you can turn them into gifts, which will benefit you and those you love for a lifetime.
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Life is short..Live it sober to the fullest...One day at a time...
Phil, that reminds me of the saying that when life hands you lemons, make lemonade!! My best times in life have been making lemonade out of those damn lemons. Which is to say, handling life on lifes terms. Which is what I strive for and fall short on. But, progress, not perfection. I am learning that the world is not perfect, life is not perfect and I am not perfect, and all of that is ok. The first two I have down pat, the last one I work hard on.
