Is that the difference between a life well lived and a life lived in a well (remember the story of the frog in the well?).

 

What has been my relationship with mistakes?

 

– I have given excuses.
– I have covered it up.
– I have hidden it.
– I have ignored it.
– I have offered explanations.
– I thought time and weak memory will make people forget it.
– I have blamed someone for my mistake.
– And, worst of all, I have justified.

 

On introspection I realise, when I did the above I refused to learn from my mistakes. Five negative results followed.

 

1. This make me repeat my mistakes.
2. Escaping censure makes me believe I have escaped unscathed. Karma catches up.
3. I even misguiding myself to believe it was the right thing to do and dug a deeper hole for myself.
4. Unfortunately I saw it as a proof of my intelligence.
5. I stagnated.

 

There have also been times when I have admitted my mistakes and looked at them as a guide for the future.

What happened then?

 

1. Creative solutions and positive energy emerged from me.
2. I possessed a huge urge to improve.
3. The need to improve made me a great listener.
4. Surprisingly, I was respected a lot for admitting my mistakes.
5. Arrogance was replaced by humility.
6. I became a better manager and a better leader.
7. I started experimenting with an open mind that led to breakthroughs.
8. I conquered fear of failure.

 

Mistakes do not lead to a ‘dead end’. It often leads to a ‘treasure trove’.

 

People who have created a huge impact have also made their share of mistakes.

People who are an inspiration par excellence have also made their share of mistakes.

Ratan Tata, Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos, Narayan Murthy, Mukesh Ambani, Dhoni, Ronaldo have made quite a few big mistakes, isn’t it?

But each one of them knew how to handle their mistakes. They were sincere and they learnt from their mistakes.

They did not see their mistakes as their identity. They saw it as an opportunity to improve.

Besides handling their own mistakes, they also know how to handle situations when others have made a mistake.

 

– They do not use others mistakes as an axe to cut them to size. They allow people space to learn and improve.
– Nor do they repeatedly remind people about their past mistakes and create guilt in them.

They help people move beyond guilt by giving them opportunities.
– They never use the mistakes made by others to create personal allegiances nor to score a victory against them.
– They forgive, move on, move aside or lift the person.

 

My mistakes have taught me that making a mistake is not a disaster.

Not handling a mistakes well is. Don’t you think so?

At this point, let me leave you for a philosophical question.

If I have learnt from it, is it still called a mistake?

Would be delighted to know your thoughts on your relationship with mistakes.

 

 

With love, prayers, and exceptional wishes,