Get Used To Making Mistakes

Part 2 on The Benefits of Making Mistakes (click here to read part 1)

It’s important to make mistakes. I’m not kidding. If you’re getting life more than 85% correct, you’re not in an optimal place for learning. “That means a 15% error rate, which allows someone to have space to improve without giving up…”*** Revel in those errors as you try new things!  The mistakes are not faults in you as a person. They are a normal part of growth. But how do you deal with that pesky 15%?

Own Up To Your Errors

A confident person’s response to making mistakes is to own the error, apologize for it and learn how to avoid it in the future. It builds stronger connections to those around you. 

“…it is confidence which allows you to admit mistakes and seek input. When you have a strong sense of self, you don’t have to know it all—and you can make room to learn more from multiple points of view. In a world which is increasingly polarized, your ability to listen, appreciate and learn will set you apart and create a pathway toward greater leadership, performance and more fulfilling work and life.”**

What does a strong apology look like?

1. Acknowledge what you’ve done as soon as possible.
2. Express genuine regret.
3. Keep it brief.
4. Offer to make amends.
5. Learn from it.
6. Remember to forgive yourself.*

Aiming For B+ and not Perfection

Mistakes are opportunities to learn and grow.  Developing a personal tolerance for them means forgiving yourself every time, even if it seems like you’re making a similar mistake over and over. That’s a good time to ask someone else for help.*

“You can only grow when you’re willing to identify gaps in your knowledge. Embrace the things you know, but also the things you don’t. This emphasis on gaining new information and seeking new perspectives will help you develop your own opinions and capabilities.”**

There’s no shame in blundering along. It means you’re learning.  It means you’re not afraid to try new things, mess up and keep going. 

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*https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/the-couch/202103/its-hard-admit-mistakes-heres-why-you-should-anyway

**https://www.forbes.com/sites/tracybrower/2021/12/29/the-surprising-benefits-of-admitting-mistakes-5-ways-to-build-intellectual-humility/?sh=da0263073c3d

***https://www.today.com/health/what-s-best-way-learn-85-rule-means-it-s-t166512

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