Embracing Mistakes

ACCORDING to Erin Falconer, co- owner of Pick the Brain, “The fear of failure is perhaps the strongest force holding people below their potential.” Although this fear can push us to succeed, it can also limit us from stretching our capacity.

Instead of growing, we play it safe because we just cannot afford to make mistakes. Since fear has already been instilled in us and we can’t avoid it, how then can we overcome it? Here are a few ways to embrace this fear of making mistakes so that we can further improve ourselves.

1. BE OPTIMISTIC

Develop a mentality of thinking posi- tively. This mind set will boost your confi- dence to overcome the fear of failure. When your boss yells at you or oppor- tunities for you close, train your mind to think that “it’s alright.” Failure isn’t “the end of the world.” There is so much more to learn each day and plenty of opportunities will arise. As Alexander Graham Bell says, “when one door closes, another opens.”

2. UNDERSTAND AND LEARN FROM MISTAKES

Mistakes are inevitable. As it is only natu- ral to look at mistakes from a negative aspect, begin to see them as an opportu- nity for growth instead. Warren Buffett, one of the world’s rich- est businessmen says, “You learn that a temporary defeat is not a permanent one. In the end, it can be an opportunity.” Stop blaming others or yourself.
Instead look at how you can do something about your mistakes. What can you change or improve on?

3. HAVE PLAN B

Be proactive and prepare ahead. By having a back-up plan, you can reduce mistakes. When things go wrong with colleagues or clients, your fear will lessen with a plan B by your side. Dare to take that risk. What is the worst thing that could happen? If you don’t try, you won’t grow and learn.

4. KEEP A JOURNAL

To avoid repeating the same mis- takes again, journal your thoughts and experiences in a notebook or diary. Then, look back at what you have written over the weeks, months or years and reflect on it. You will learn more about yourself and realise the mistakes you have made.

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