The Perception of Mistakes
We all make mistakes at some point in our lives. It is either something large that leaves us emotionally depleted, or just a minor thing that we can brush off in a moment. We feel as if we have done something that we could or should have done different. Everyone sees their mistakes differently. What I mean by that is the perception of what a mistake is may be different to the individual. I cannot speak for everyone, I can only speak on what I’ve experienced. So I will try to make sense of all of this by using the definition of a mistake. A mistake is: an action or judgement that is misguided or wrong. For the sake of mutual understanding, let’s go with that definition for now.
We do this thing and we feel wrong or feel like we were misguided, or had bad information. We feel like we should or could of done it different. A lot of times those things are true to an extent. However, there are dangers in perceiving things that way. A lot of times we can get caught up in beating ourselves up over feeling wrong or misguided. That can become a bad habit that leaves us feeling depleted of confidence. We also start obsessing over what should of happened or could of happened and that becomes unhealthy. What should’ve happened or could of happened isn’t the reality we live in. It isn’t what has happened or is happening. Being caught up in the should of or could of takes us away from the work that can be done now.
We may have all the information and teachings to make the right choices. Our parents may of scolded us for countless days on what is right and wrong. Society may have molded the idea of right in wrong. However, we may lack the experience of the information and teachings to implement it. If we have not experienced something we may not be able to fully grasp what it means. So sometimes doing the very thing that is deemed a mistake may be required to even understand it was a mistake at all. If that is the case maybe mistakes really are not mistakes at all, they are more along the lines of required learning experiences . The reason I say this is because it may of been inevitable that we were going to commit the “mistake” that we felt was wrong or misguided no matter what because we lacked the experience of the situation altogether. If what I say is true, was it really ever a mistake? To my understanding, we may make mistakes to some degree, but we also make opportunities to learn more about ourselves through our shortcomings. These are required experiences in order to not commit the acts that are perceived as “mistakes”. When we look at the teachings of some of the greatest people to ever walk the face of this earth we begin to see that failure and mistakes are essential. Mistakes and failure became the very catalyst that made these men great and successful in life, the foundation of their growth.
If all this is true, are we really wrong or misguided? Are mistakes really mistakes? We often beat ourselves up about the very things that make us special, that makes us strong. If you really look at it, it seems silly overall. At times it is good to feel that we were wrong so we can make the necessary adaptations to grow. However, don’t beat yourself up day and night over what was “wrong” or a “mistake”. Learn from it, grow from it. Look at these things as an opportunity to become something more. If you can mold your perception to embrace your mistakes as opportunities, you can become unstoppable. I can assure you life will get easier, and mistakes will become less painful and frequent as you grow into a wonderful human being. After all, isn’t that what life’s all about? If you take away all the bills and material possessions, all you have left is you. All of you… your mistakes, your shortcomings, your best moments, your happiness, and your sadness. Each and every single piece essential for you to be who you are right now. I suppose the ultimate question you have to ask yourself at the end day… was it worth it? Am I where I want to be? If the answer is yes, you my friend haven’t made single mistake in your entire life, however, if the answer is no, you have made many mistakes and it’s time to learn from them.
