When you make a mistake

Everyone makes mistakes but how we react and handle the mistake is what is most important for our mental health and for our relationships. It is easy to get stuck on replaying what we did over and over in our minds, leading us to feel anxious, guilty, or miserable. However, it is important to replay it briefly and evaluate what happened and notice whatever feelings are associated with it. Let those feelings lead you into an action step.

If there is guilt, is there someone you need to talk to in order to correct a wrong? If there is shame, do you need to quit beating yourself up? If there is anxiety, do you need to re-focus and go in a different direction? Think of a mistake as something designed to move you forward or improve your relationships. Evaluate it, learn from it, and take action. Mistakes are part of living a full, well-balanced life.