Recovering from Past Mistakes
Being your own worst critic. Something I can relate to so much on a personal level. I don’t know why we do it, but we do. Let me tell you...if I make a mistake, big or small, I am SO hard on myself. I think through the situation over and over again in my head. I beat myself up about why I said what I said or did what I did. I think about all of the other things I could have done in the moment even though they are in the past and there is nothing I can do about it now. This constant stress and worry ultimately leads to anxiety and it’s just not good for you. It can even compound and lead to making more mistakes. I came up with a few things I try and do when I am my own worst critic, to hopefully help you all if you ever find yourself dwelling on a past mistake.
Gain perspective about the situation
Gaining perspective is huge when it comes to recovering from past mistakes. In the moment it may seem like your world is ending and you are the biggest failure ever. I get it, I have been there. Try taking a step back and look at the bigger picture. Look at the mistake you have made in relation to everything you have going on in your life. I think it’s okay to think about what you could have done differently so you don’t make that same mistake again, but don’t dwell on it. Yes you made a mistake, but it’s not the end of the world. Pick yourself up and focus on moving forward.
Find support in your relationships
A lot of times the mistakes we make aren’t as bad as we make them seem. Again, in the current moment and in the heat of everything, it might seem like you really messed up, and maybe you really did mess up. That’s okay. Find support. Find someone you can confide in and someone you trust that can help you work through this difficult time. Whether it’s a spouse, family member, friend or therapist, let them talk it through with you. Maybe they can help you gain perspective and help you work through the mistake you made.
Accept failure in life
Accepting failure is huge. No one is perfect and it’s not fair to expect yourself to be perfect. Knowing things are going to happen and you are going to make mistakes is part of life. It’s knowing how to handle them when they do happen and how to move forward with your life. If you do make a mistake, learn from it. The ability to learn from mistakes can set you up for future success.
Make a list of achievements and good qualities
This might seem lame I know, but trust me. Sit down and make a list of achievements you have accomplished as well as your good qualities. Building up your self-esteem is a big part of forgetting about past mistakes. Stop focusing on the one thing you did wrong and look at all of the things you are doing right. We often fixate on the negative and forget all of the amazing things we do on a daily basis. Read through that list every day or when something does come up and remind yourself of all of the wonderful things you are doing in life and all of the positive qualities you exemplify on a daily basis.
Try and practice self care everyday
Finally, practice self care. I know it seems like I talk about this in all of my blogs and it’s because it is SO important! Getting in your own head and fixating on the mistakes that you have made leads to anxiety and can really affect your mental health. Make it a point to take time everyday and do something you enjoy. Whether it’s going to the gym, going for a walk, or watching a movie, just do it! You will be shocked how much this helps with focusing on something else other than the mistakes.
Stop Obsessing Over Your Mistakes
So there you have it. You are human. You are going to make mistakes in life, which is okay. It’s how you handle them and move forward that is important. Stop beating yourself up and fixating on everything you have done wrong. Instead, focus on the positives and everything you are doing right. I know it’s difficult, especially in the current moment, but I hope these tips and tricks help you as much as they have helped me! 😊