What To Do When You Make A Mistake
(Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. For more information about this please read the Affiliate Disclosure.)
Okay. I admit it.
I have certainly made my share of mistakes in life.
When you make a mistake, it’s not always an easy thing to admit.
We all want other people to think well of us, and part of that desire is to appear as if we do things right all the time.
As if we don’t make mistakes.
But for many of us, there comes a time in life when the light bulb goes on, and we realize that our lives are full (FULL!) of mistakes because at the root of it all, we are imperfect beings.
We ALL make mistakes.
So you messed up, we all do it. Maybe you accidentally insulted someone or hurt the feelings of a friend.
Or maybe you had a misunderstanding at work.
Either way, you may be feeling embarrassed and upset, which is perfectly understandable.
Who wants to go around hurting people they care about or creating more drama at work?
And while it may be understandable that you feel badly about having made a mistake, it is important is that you deal with the situation appropriately and move on from this experience.
So, we’re going to give you some simple tools.
Here are five tips to help you move on from your mistake.
How to Move On When You’ve Made A Terrible Mistake
1. Acknowledge that you made a mistake – The first part of moving on is always acceptance.
It is important to accept your mistake and own it.
If you accept your part of whatever problem occurred, you are going to be better able to move on to the next step.
2. Apologize – Say “I’m sorry”.
I know. For some of us, it can be very difficult to say “I’m sorry” or to say “I was wrong”, but you must.
If you have hurt someone, if you have wronged them in some way, if you caused harm, you have to own up to it and you have to apologize.
Be sincere – admit your fault/wrong-doing/bad behavior, and express remorse for any hurt/discomfort/problem/inconvenience/damage you’ve caused.
3. Fix your mistake – Whether this step consists of a simple (or not so simple) apology to someone, making amends or covering costs for damages, coming up with a plan to make things right can be the most empowering part of moving on!
There is nothing more proactive than deciding on a plan to move forward and executing it to the best of your ability.
Everyone in your life will be grateful for your acknowledgment of your part in the problem.
4. Forgive yourself – We all make mistakes, no one in the whole world is perfect!
This feeling that you’re having now—the embarrassment and anger at yourself—will fade eventually.
Accept that you messed up and forgive yourself for being human.
Mistakes are a part of life and carrying guilt around with you for every small thing you do won’t help you.
5. Understand and reaffirm to yourself that you are not your mistake – When you make a mistake (even a big one), it’s something that you do, it is not who you are.
Your mistake does not define you as a person.
Your mistake is not you.
Do not waste any time dwelling on that negative thought or reinforcing untruths in your mind.
When you make a mistake, it’s important to deal with it, appropriately, but then get past it.
With these simple tips you can learn to move on from the mistake that you made and learn from the experience.
Of course you’re going to make mistakes. The most important thing is for you to acknowledge them, move on and be kind to yourself and others in the process.
Did you enjoy this post? If so, please share with your family and friends! Thanks!
Kimberly Clay is the founder and creative force behind What She Say. She’s a business professional, writer and editor who’s been creating and managing digital content for nearly twenty years. Her work is now focused in the areas of self-improvement and personal development, and she is passionate about helping other individuals, especially women, to find a path for living their best life.
