I made an embarrassing mistake recently. Luckily, nothing came of it thanks to the kindness of someone who got my back. But, it was embarrassing nevertheless.
In times like that, I can barely express how hard it is to live the “a learning a day” philosophy that there is no failure, only learning. It’s much easier to forgive someone else than it is to forgive myself. There’s no one to tell me it will be okay. Even if they do, it’s not like I’ll feel better because I didn’t fail anyone, but myself.
I did end up remembering a piece of advice I received from a wiser friend. “Be kind to yourself” – he had said. It’s tough and in many ways, I’m still kicking myself.
Right after that, I apologized to, and thanked this friend, who said simply – “Don’t worry, there’ll be many more.. you will make many mistakes much worse than this as life goes on.”
I laughed. It was only on reflection that I grasped the significance of the remark.
Just had a big win? Don’t worry, there will be many more.
Just had a spectacular failure? Don’t worry, there will be many more..
It help put things in perspective. Another day. Another big learning.
A Learning a Day 