To Err Is Human

Mistakes are annoying

Mistakes are frustrating.

Mistakes waste a lot of time.

I have spent the better part of a year and a half hopping from one mistake to another in the pursuit of creating something new. I wish I could tell you it gets easier. I wish I could say that I am smarter. That I'm more adept. Or at least that I am very clever now.

What I can say with confidence is that mistakes suck. That they are inevitable. And absolutely unavoidable.

Are you still with me?

Maybe a bit worried that I've gone off the deep end in my viscous diatribe against mistakes?

Well, guess what?

I've decided to tell my mistakes thank you.

I know, right?

But listen...

Mistakes forced me to confront perfectionism. And fear. And my own limitations.

Mistakes taught me perseverance. Motivation. And tenacity.

Mistakes gave me insight into learning. Risk taking. And coping with challenges. 

Mistakes have been a formidable teacher. Pushing me outside my comfort zone. Exerting pressure to overcome obstacles. And causing me to wrestle with my disparaging attitude toward myself.

I have a new, healthier perspective on mistakes now.

They are still hard. Painful. And annoying.

But now I know that they are part of the process. Essential even.

Mistakes are not something to avoid.

Mistakes are a powerful reminder that something new is happening. 

But with all that being said, can someone please tell me that mistakes are hard for you too?