The biblical author James wrote, “Indeed, we all make mistakes…” (James 3:2). I think we can all resonate with this. This may be a reach, but I am certain that each person reading these words has made mistakes.
A mistake in its most simplistic form is faulty judgement. You acted based on information that was inaccurate. You jumped to a conclusion. You messed up.
The challenge with the mistakes we make is that we don’t like to admit them. We make excuses. We shift blame. We rationalize. We go to great extents to cover over what everyone else is acutely aware of…we blew it.
Mistakes are part of life. No one has errorless judgement. No one is right all the time. No one is able to be blameless on all occasions. Recognizing this goes a long way in helping you learn from mistakes made.
What ought we to do when we make a mistake?
Own up to it
Admit you were wrong
Make no excuses
Genuinely apologize to whomever your mistakes have affected (Saying you’re sorry “if you have hurt or offended anyone” is not genuine. It actually communicates the other person is actually misunderstood your intent)
Fix the mistake
Learn from the mistake
Move on
If you are making the same mistakes over and over this does not make you human, it makes you stupid. It shows a character flaw that must be addressed.
Alexander Pope was a poet of the Enlightenment. In 1711 he was credited with writing, “To err is human.” I would agree with Mr. Pope. I would add, however, that erring without learning and adjusting, makes you an irresponsible human.