Mistakes….Making Them and Moving Along

I hate making mistakes. Unfortunately, I make a lot of them. The good news is, I also learn a lot from each and every mistake I make. It took a long time for me to fully accept and understand that making mistakes are an important part of the learning process. It’s bad enough to make a mistake in private, but none of us want to look silly in public. And I’ve done it more times than I care to admit.

For example, I was late to embrace modern technology. Six years ago the only thing I could do on a computer was to send and receive email. I certainly have come a long way since then, and I am proud to report that I am completely self-taught. Which means I have made a lot of mistakes along the way.

I have unknowingly breached online etiquette, unwittingly looked like a nit wit, and sometimes appeared downright ridiculous as well as unsophisticated. But, I learned a lot. Even when I occasionally fell flat on my face, I always was able to get back up, shake it off (eventually), and move along.

At this point in time, I find myself at a major fork in the road of life, with several outstanding opportunities looming in front of me. All I have to do is step forward and receive them. All I have to do is say “yes.”  But, there’s still that nagging little voice in the back of mind, whispering those dreadful words, “But, what if you fail? What if you make a mistake, or fall flat on your face?” 

I’m tempted to give in to that voice, and to throw in the towel before I even begin. After all, what if I do make a mistake or fall flat on my face? Then I realized that it wouldn’t matter. Of course I will make mistakes–a lot of them. I’m not perfect, and could never hope to be. Nor would I want to be. Because it is through trial and error that we learn. It is through our mistakes that we build character. And it is through falling on our face that we learn how to get up again.

So, I think I’ll just tell that voice in my head to shut up and mind her own business. I have better things to do with my time, and so do you. So, go ahead–make some mistakes, take a few chances, and fall on your face. Remember that every obstacle is an opportunity to learn and grow. And do remember to stay positive, and tell the negative voices to mind their own business.