Mistakes happen in life. We often say or do inappropriate things without realizing it until it is too late. It’s simply a part of being human.
For many of us, we can be quite hard on ourselves when mistakes are made, but it’s important to remember our reactions to these unfortunate circumstances can have a significant impact on our mental wellbeing and relationship with ourselves. Treating yourself kindly may not come naturally, but it’s an important skill to learn. After all, our internal dialog is perhaps the most active dialog we experience each day.
Here are some steps to help you learn to move past mistakes with kindness and grace.
Acknowledge That A Mistake Was Made
Whether it is an error in judgment or a total oversight, allowing yourself to acknowledge that you have made a mistake is the first step in moving past it. Fight against the urge to completely ignore the mistake or cover it up, as those avoidance mechanisms may hinder your ability to learn from the situation and move on.
Identify The Emotions You Are Feeling
Every individual is unique. One person may feel shame after making a mistake, while another experiences embarrassment. Additionally, different circumstances may prompt different emotions within you. By identifying the emotions that arise, you are able to learn how to better cope with them.
Consider Learning Opportunities
Looking for patterns within your emotional reactions is essential for understanding the reasons behind your feelings. Perhaps when you make a mistake in front of a specific person, it prompts a stronger emotional response. With this example, you could use this realization as an opportunity to tend to your relationship fence with that specific individual and renovate your boundaries as appropriate.
Move On
Using mistakes as a learning opportunity can help you to move past it by providing you with closure. After all, we all make mistakes, and we all have emotional responses to those circumstances. It’s important to smile at yourself, forgive yourself, and go on with your day feeling wiser and better equipped.