Mistakes
Why do some people just find it hard to admit they’ve made a mistake? We all do it – heaven knows I have, on many occasions and in many contexts. Yet for some reason there are those amongst us who feel that any suggestion that they made an error needs to be shouted down forcefully, lest they be stigmatised as failures.
A mistake is not a failure. A mistake is an opportunity to learn, a chance to grow, to re-focus, to improve. It reminds us that we are not infallible, and injects a little humility into our souls.
The failure is in not heeding the message that the mistake is trying to convey. Cosmic karma is at work here. The Universe starts with a gentle tap on the shoulder trying to get your attention. If that doesn’t work, then a rap across the knuckles comes along, followed by a clip behind the ear.
Pay attention to what you are being told, because if you ignore all of these, then the speeding truck is on its way.
I have yet to see a more effective way of dealing with a mistake than simply admitting to it, apologising sincerely to those impacted by it, and thinking about why it happened and what lessons need to be learnt. Not only is this in keeping with the natural operation of the universe, it builds your own moral fibre, and earns you respect from those around you.
Pointing fingers at others, reaching for a scapegoat, making excuses, or just plain claiming you make no more mistakes than others do just doesn’t cut it – not only do you come across to others as someone who lacks integrity, you train your mind to react inappropriately and get further out of sync with the world around you.
And that is not where you want to be.
