Mistakes or Lessons Learned?

We all know that mistakes are a normal part of life; however, believing this is often easier said than done.

We live in a hyper-competitive world and social media can often create the illusion that we are expected to have flawless lives.

In reality, life is messy and it can’t be filtered.

My challenge for you (and for myself) throughout this post is to start considering the beauty and opportunity in our mistakes.

Spoiler Alert!

Being an adult doesn’t mean that you magically have all the right answers!

Sure, older folx are better equipped to handle life’s challenges but they’ll still make mistakes. Life is a series of trials-and-errors.

You are who you are today because of thousands of past mistakes.

Getting hung up on mistakes

Some mistakes bother us longer than others. In therapy, I work with a lot of people who have regrets that they can’t seem to get past. I can relate because I too have made mistakes that I wish that I could reverse.

“Sooner or later, we have to give up the possibility of having a better past.” ~Unknown

Messing up is a chance to grow and learn

While we are designed to avoid things that hurt, mistakes are opportunities to grow and to better ourselves. When we let go of the impossible standard of being perfect, we can use our experiences to create a better present and future.

For example, one of my biggest regrets in recent years has to do with car ownership. I made a ton of mistakes due to not doing enough research, not considering lifestyle changes, and by making impulsive decisions.

You know what though? Those mistakes have made me super savvy with my finances in the present! I know what to do and what NOT to do the next time I make an expensive purchase.

Live and learn!

Mistakes still hurt. What can we do about them?

While it’s easier said than done, try not to beat yourself up too much.

• Forgive yourself. Often!
• Practice gratitude for the lessons the mistakes have taught you.
• Give yourself credit for the things that you’ve done right.
• Show yourself grace- which means to be kind to yourself even when you think you don’t deserve it.
• Meditate or pray.

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