Don’t Define Yourself by Your Mistakes

One time, I made a mistake (really more than once).

It could have turned out to be a horrible outcome for the both of us, and it almost cost me a potential client.

Surprisingly, I looked at it as a blessing, and we laughed about it.

Rather than, beat myself up, I gave myself the benefit of the doubt and took a hard look at what happened, and looked at the lesson I learned. I realized that I had gained some valuable insights.

Because, at the end of the day, it's my responsibility to learn from the mistake. So, if I make a costly mistake that impacts my financial stability, then that's one lesson I am only going to make once.

I had to assure myself that my mistakes don't define me. As I looked in the mirror (yes, I talk to myself in the mirror), and said, “Patricia, don't define yourself on what you’ve done. Define yourself on where you’re headed and by how you help others.”

Because I’d never be here if I thought that way with these three tangible examples: If I defined myself as a classroom teacher, I would’ve never stepped into professional coaching.

As a failed entrepreneur? I would have never founded a successful company.

As a unsuccessful book author? I would have never become a best selling author and helped people through my books.

Don't define yourself by mistakes. YOU are NOT your mistakes!

Define yourself by where you are headed. You are everything you’re aiming to become.

Believe it – and it will happen. Because, if you want it badly enough, it will happen. 

Honor the space you are in. Choose which thoughts serve your highest and greatest good; you will know what to do from there.

Hire a coach, surround yourself with the right people, take risks, and for the love of all things holy and beautiful – LEARN FROM YOUR MISTAKES.

One day, you will look back and realize: The most painful moments get you exactly where you need to be.

It’s great to enjoy the highs, and even more beneficial to learn from the lows.