I want to share with you a story about a mistake I made on last week’s newsletter. The day that I wrapped up the newsletter had been a busy one. I had been outside in the heat for several hours, worked at the computer for several more hours, and then even though I was quite tired and knew I was not at my best, I made the decision to complete the newsletter. I proofed it, edited it, proofed it again. Multiple times. Until it was perfect. Then I scheduled the mailing, relieved that the project was complete. On Saturday morning I received my copy of the email and the very first thing I noticed was that the title of the email had a typo. The title I used was Authenticy, when it should have been Authenticity. I felt awful. I was embarrassed. Several palm smacks and muttered curses ensued. My newsletters, though very personal, are a professional endeavor. There was worry that my readers - people I know and others I do not - would judge me and find me lacking professionalism. All because I made a typo. I sat with my worries and concerns for a little while, stewing over the fact of the mistake and the inability to correct it. Then I took a different approach and thought about how we can learn from our experiences. This experience reminded me that I - that most of us - would be well served to step away from the task at hand when overly tired, and to not return until rested and ready to put fresh eyes on the project. Once again I learned that the world does not end because I messed up. Really it doesn’t! There is the message that striving for perfectionism is a fine goal (to a certain extent) but it is a goal that is not always met. Mistakes happen. And that’s OK. So I forgave myself, and let it go.

Do you dwell on your mistakes? Peter Economy authored an article in Inc. where he suggests three steps to break the habit of obsessing about your mistakes. The steps are: (1) set aside a limited amount of time to process your feelings about your mistakes, (2) practice mindfulness and live in the moment, and (3) keep yourself busy with positive and meaningful activities.

Way back in the 5th Century, St. Augustine said “Fallor, ergo sum” which translates to “I err, therefore I am.” Errors - mistakes - are a fact of life. For me, for you, for St. Augustine. Let’s stop beating ourselves up when we make them. Being held accountable for mistakes might be done within ourselves, may require a conversation with the impacted party, and occasionally becomes the topic for a newsletter for anyone to read. Learn the lesson. Forgive yourself or the person who is owning up to their mistake. Let it go. Move on.