As I looked at my father's gravesite for the first time today, I couldn't help but think of his ability to just "move on." That's a very valuable tool in life and career.
He had presence, but he always had this sense to know when the game was over. Almost like a coach saying "we're down by twenty and there's only two minutes left...time to accept the loss and prepare for the next one." Knowing that you'd be better for the lesson of losing-no matter how painful.
We live in a time where success (outward wise) and glory matter a lot. Even though there really isn't as much value there as we think. The idea of mistakes/failures do not resonate very well in environments like ours. We'll peek behind the curtain only if no one is looking.
So whether you're responsible for a big project or trying change a behavior at home, you need to allow yourself room for mistakes. For example, when I first started to make running a part of my exercise routine I never considered breathing. I thought my breathing was fine just like always. Wrong! But the mistake (manifested by my lack of energy to finish) drove me to ask questions. Runner's World magazine helped me with the subject of proper breathing and my running got better. See my point?
Here are some ideas to consider, life and career, that will help you learn from your mistakes:
- Maybe the time has come for you to stop being afraid of making a mistake. People who are living to not "screw it up" are heart attacks waiting to happen.
- True love is found in mistakes. It stays even when the crowd disappears. This can be a great way to know who is really for you.
- Mistakes are indicators of your willingness to learn. See Thomas Edison's story for more on this.
- Mistakes are essential in the process of innovation.
- Mistakes will give you a gauge on your risk tolerance. If you're always avoiding mistakes, you won't dare something great. Greatness implies risk.
- Your followers are watching to find out if making a mistake is "OK." Your willingness, or unwillingness, will cast a wide shadow.
- Learning from your mistakes increases the chances of not repeating.
