One of the most destructive patterns we can engage in is to confuse our actions with our “self”…. That is, to conclude that because we behaved a certain way, it now makes us a certain sort of person.
Let me explain. The fact that you may have “failed” at something doesn’t mean that you as a person are a failure.
To fail is to describe what you did.
To be a failure is to describe what that mistake did to you.
Despite the fact that no one likes to admit their own errors to themselves , it’s common to indulge in beating ourselves up with guilt, regret, remorse and self-doubt for our past mistakes.
And that makes it easy to start internalising our actions as our “self” and arrive at conclusions like, “I am worthless” or “I am a bad entrepreneur”.
Now, I am a firm believer that we need to be aware of our own errors, shortcomings or blindspots so that we can steer clear of them. But more importantly, we need to recognise them for what they are. No sugarcoating!
Mistakes are the raw materials of growth.
Mistakes come equipped with learning, to tell us how we can change things next time to get the results we want. So we need to take the time to identify where the growth potential lies.
HERE is a tool to help you do just that.
Reframing your mistakes can go a long way to helping you get the results you want – both in life and in business. Give it a try!
Just remember: You make mistakes. They don’t make you.
You got this!
Love, Aleks