Whether we are talking about an honest one, a little one, or a great big oh #$%^&@! one, we all have made mistakes. I’ve come to believe that the way we view and how we respond to them plays a huge role in our attitude, approach and results in life.

How we view mistakes determines how (or whether) we use them to make our lives and results better … or not. If we see mistakes as problems or a failure, we may want to deny, hide or try to forget them. If, however, we realize they are a natural result of trying something and that, in fact, they can be “portals to discovery,” as James Joyce once said, we will acknowledge, explore and use them to advance us toward our goals.

Joyce is right, but like most good poets, in making his point eloquently, he makes an important assumption. Can mistakes be portals to discovery? Yes. Do we always view them or use them in that way? No. The portal is there, but if we don’t see it or use it, it might as well not be there. So, in deference to the author, let me propose a small adjustment: “Mistakes can be portals to discovery.” But those portals will only make a difference when we choose to see them that way.

If you want to progress, learn and move closer to your goals. If you want to live a fuller, more productive, and happier life, you must choose to see mistakes as portals to discovery. The choice is yours, and the choice will make all the difference. So ask yourself:

  • How do I feel about my mistakes?
  • What is my immediate reaction when I mess up? Do I become angry? Brood? Dwell on the issue? Or do I let it go and focus on overcoming the problem?
  • How often or consistently do I try to learn from my mistakes?
  • What is the last important lesson I learned from a mess up? What are three of the most important lessons I’ve learned from my own mistakes?

Now, with the understanding that mistakes can be positive, I encourage you to:

  • Try something new, without fear of failure.
  • If you make a mistake, find the lesson in it. Learn from it. Grow. Figure out what you can do better next time.
  • Try again, applying the lessons you’ve learned.

 

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Kevin Eikenberry is a recognized world expert on leadership development and learning and is the Chief Potential Officer of The Kevin Eikenberry Group (http://KevinEikenberry.com). He has spent nearly 30 years helping organizations across North America, and leaders from around the world, on leadership, learning, teams and teamwork, communication and more.
Twice he has been named by Inc.com as one of the top 100 Leadership and Management Experts in the World and has been included in many other similar lists.

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  1. Good stuff Kevin I thoroughly believe when making an honest mistake the best way to handle any possible humiliation is to be honest and humble. If it happens to a subordinate treat them as you would want to be treated with dignity and respect. Mistakes can be costly and even dangerous depending the situation and work environment treat every mistake or accident as a lesson learned.

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