It is the highest form of self-respect to admit our errors and mistakes and make amends for them. To make a mistake is only an error in judgment, but to adhere to it when it is discovered shows infirmity of character.” Dale Turner
I messed up this week. Well, it didn’t just happen this week. This week was just the day when the piper came calling. This mistake was several weeks in the making. Despite all the valid reasons, mental justifications, rationalizations, and other factors, the bottom line was that I’d promised to have something done by a specific date, and I did not.
Because it is so. very. rare. for me to make this kind of mistake, I took it very hard. Started beating myself up with all kinds of mean thoughts. I’m sure you know exactly what I mean.
My dear friend and business partner Larry said to me, “Don’t beat yourself up, Traci. Everyone makes mistakes.” “Yeah, but…” “No, Traci. Everyone. It’s not about making the mistake. It’s what you do afterward that matters.”
So I told my children what I’d done so that they could see how to handle it when they mess up. “Even Mommy messes up big sometimes. But, here’s what I’m going to do to fix it.”
And then, I went to the person I’d let down, with my proverbial hat in my hand, and said, “I owe you an apology. I’m sorry and I want to make this right.” Owning up to your mistake is the best first thing you can do.