The word "mistake" has many negative connotations not helped by the dictionary definition which is "an error or fault resulting from defective judgment, deficient knowledge, or carelessness." It is common from a young age to therefore believe that making mistakes should be avoided as they are bad. The problem is the fear of making a mistake, and avoiding the potential negative feelings associated with it, can be debilitating.
When I was growing up I had the perception that making a mistake represented being a failure or not being good enough. I have come to realise, however, by living my life and making many, many mistakes, that mistakes are positive experiences as they have helped me become a better person.
"The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing." - John Powell
The fear of making mistakes can inhibit your ability to be open and willing to step outside of your comfort zone…to take calculated risks and to make things happen. When you are faced with the choice to step beyond what is familiar to you, I encourage you to keep in mind that it isn't how many times you make a mistake but rather how many times you have discovered that wasn't the way to do it.
Living your life does mean making mistakes from time to time. I challenge you to make more mistakes in your life and to value the experiences that come from it. Remember…the biggest mistake you can ever make is to be too afraid to make one.
