Mistakes…we all make them, some of us more than others. And we should all know that it’s OK to make mistakes and that we should try to learn from them. One of my many favorite quotes that I read recently is, “Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.” However, not everyone responds well when they have either realized on their own or someone has brought to their attention that they have made a mistake or could have done something better. Over and over again, I have seen people who not only can’t seem to admit that they made a mistake but always seem to have to deflect their mistake on someone else and make it seem like that person is the “bad guy” for bringing it to their attention. I’m sure I’ve done this as well now and then, but I generally have no problem admitting I made a mistake and usually try to rectify it or at least apologize.
It Is hard sometimes to admit that you made a mistake when it is something significant, but when you can’t even be apologetic or accountable for the small things like stopping for a red light and blocking people from getting in and out of a business entrance in the process and you get mad at anyone who points this out to you, then maybe you need to examine why it is that you can’t be wrong about anything. There’s no need to spout off a bunch of sarcastic statements as you’re backing up about how you hope everyone is happy now, and so on. You are the one who could have been courteous, but now you are blocking traffic and are inconveniencing everyone else. Just be graceful and do something to indicate you are sorry you didn’t see the people waiting to get in or out of the entrance as you are backing up. There’s no need for the defensiveness and sarcasm.
Think about what kind of example are you setting for your kids when you always react in this manner and what you are teaching them about making mistakes, treating people with respect, being considerate, being accountable, and so many other things. I think it takes a more secure and humble person to admit they made a mistake and handle it gracefully. If you can’t do that, then you need to think about your own insecurities. Another quote I read recently seems to be appropriate…”You are strong when you know your weaknesses. You are beautiful when you appreciate your flaws. You are wise when you learn from your mistakes.” We should all take accountability for and own our mistakes rather than deflect them on other people, and then try not to make that same mistake again.