Far from a license for mediocrity, this commandment is a formula for success. If we are to rise above our fear and pain we must have the energy for it. Trying to deny our mistakes and keep them hidden from others is a waste of that precious energy. As we’ve already observed, we are perfectly imperfect. Mistakes are inevitable, but they can be real assets if we are willing to learn from them. Acknowledging them freely is the first step in turning our perils into pearls. What can we learn from mistakes if we’re willing to acknowledge them? Of course the most obvious payoff is that they teach us what doesn’t work. Being wrong will often alert us to another perspective or point of view. Mistakes also force us to develop new behaviors and coping styles—expanding our repertoire. Tonight Show host Johnny Carson was a master at deliberately “making mistakes” in his nightly monologue as a way of exercising his adlibbing skills. Learning what doesn’t work, seeing additional perspectives, or developing new coping skills are all priceless assets when we are going through inevitable changes in our lives. And when it comes to expanding repertoires and gaining new perspectives, we have no greater resource than humor. To practice “welcoming” your mistakes, try this exercise: Exercise #4: Be like Johnny Carson. Make mistakes on purpose. Ask dumb questions. Wear mismatched socks. Push the elevator button after it’s already lit. I call this deliberate foolishness. Acting in this way provides many benefits:
1. You will get used to feeling foolish. It’s an exhilarating feeling. 2. You will enjoy knowing that others will misjudge you and feel a false sense of superiority over you. 3. Being foolish is a good stress reliever.
Gosh I made some stupid mistakes today.. Don't ask me what.. I smiled at it and let it got and dint let anyone understand how much I got tensed that moment. Just broke the ICE with an "oops - excuse me"
No one is perfect... I try hard in certain thins to achieve my dreams, but they just seem to be out of my reach.. I don't know if I allow my certain mistakes how will I be able to live my dreams.
Don't think too much Liz!! You're fine just over thinking everything. Sometime you need to let the thing go in its own flow. Give time.. Love Jose
From when I started to let go of my mistakes,..... Ah I think I am not making any mistakes as such. That's a relief. Feel like more confident.
Practicing exercise, looks to me more of a rule that I am bound to follow. Foolishly I just practiced this exercise. And not stressed. I simply made tea.. in place of sugar added salt... :P
Friends, you really helped me with your advices. Now I'm going easy with it. I feel like a bird, hibernating so long.
Should I do mistakes or stupid acts intentionally ??
Boost your confidence dear.. Don't fear the failure.. But when failed don't get depressed with them.. take them as a mistake,, an experience learn from it and move ahead..........
Now I see, I have been unable to smile coz somwhere I lag behind in self confidence and thinking too much.. I'm trying to keep calm.
Back to my childhood... Acknowledging my mistakes "no homework done" or "I forgot" were the most common.. But I feel good about it now.. :)