Fortunately, everyone on earth has made mistakes and we must realize we are not alone. So why do some people seem to think it’s the ‘end of the world’ when a mistake happens?
Making mistakes are how we learn regardless of our age. Some make more than another, but is that a bad thing? Others make mistakes many times in a row, is that a bad thing?
The answer is no for both of the questions. First, let me remind you also that no one is immune from making mistakes, no one and they happen everyday.
So do you think a CEO hasn’t made mistakes, of course they have and they still do. How about a construction worker, waitress, car mechanic, Parent, Supervisor, even law enforcement and physicians. We are also ALL learning every day from our mistakes.
Making mistakes does not make a bad person or a terrible employee at all. There are so many variables involved in why or what causes people to make mistakes. Many of those variables pertain to those doing the training and those who are in leadership roles from lack of attention. The more they do the more they are expected to do and things happen when they’re not present.
Here are a few more general examples and I’m going to pick on sports:
- When a player, say a football player drops a pass or fumbles a ball, or a kicker misses a field goal, they’ve learned something for next time.
- If a golfer drives their shot into the woods or misses a putt, they have just learned something for next time.
- If a swimmer doesn’t come in first on their relay, they’ve learned something for next time.
For the REAL information regarding the story of that particular missed field goal, see my blog on January 9, 2019 for details.
The person performing those mistakes during the game, the tournament, the swim meet, are instead upset with themselves, probably so are the fans. However, how is someone suppose to improve their skills, their job roles, their techniques, the procedures, the rules and policies, unless we all make mistakes and have to practice again. However, never assume that the individual who made the mistake, was entirely their own fault. The perfect example of “rest of the story” … is in that information from the 1/9/19 blog above regarding the Chicago Bears Place Kicker Cody Parkey.
Many time, All things are unknown at the time of the ‘mistake’.
Mistakes teach us, they shape us and they help us do better the next time. But, it’s up to the individual who is making the mistakes, to accept them and be open to learning from them.
So the next time you or someone else makes a mistake, breathe … Don’t get down on yourself if you goofed and be supportive of the other person with encouragement if they messed up. Embrace the many chances we all have to learn from our mistakes.
Mistakes are only a bruise not a tattoo, never stop trying … linda frame
