Finding the Courage to Say, "I Might Have Got It Wrong" - And What to Do About It

We’ve all been there - making decisions that, at the time, seemed spot on.

But then, something didn't feel quite right.

Maybe it’s that car you bought that’s turned out to be a lemon, or a relationship that’s lost its spark. It could be a job that doesn’t fit, or realizing that the politician you backed isn’t who you thought they were.

Either way, it’s that nagging feeling that won’t go away, or that piece of evidence that is just too big or small to ignore.

The truth is, getting to the point where you can admit,

“I think I might have got it wrong,”

is a process.

And it is not an easy process in many cases because it requires a lot of honesty with yourself. It is, however, the first step toward making a change that could lead you to something better.

But here's the thing...

Human beings, when faced with overwhelming evidence that they might be wrong, tend to double down on their original beliefs rather than change course. This mental armour of self-justification is incredibly strong, and even when the most undeniable facts are placed in front of them, minds will still not be changed.

It's called The Law of Consistency

Our brains are naturally inclined to defend our beliefs and convictions, just as they’re wired to crave sugary foods, as an example. But just as we can train ourselves to prefer healthier options when it comes to diet, we can also learn to train and manage those addictive instincts when it comes to decisions we make.

We just need to be open, aware and do the work!

Take for example social media. The vitriol, the meanness, the pettiness, the bullying.

Aren't these the golden rules we teach our children not to do?

Yet, this behaviour is being played out right in front of our eyes by adults. Why?

Because it is an opportunity to declare opinions as well as absolutes - right or wrong - on topics from politics to whether Harry and Meghan are worth a pinch of salt.

And as a result people demonstrate just how rooted their mindsets are in fixed and closed mindedness where there is zero movement.

The Cost of Staying Stuck

And because of this Law of Consistency, too many people continue to stay stuck in situations that aren’t serving them because they’re afraid to admit they might have made a mistake.

Whether it’s the pride of sticking to your guns or the fear of what others might think if you admit you might have got it wrong, this reluctance to change course can come at a high cost.

?? Staying in a job that drains you

?? Being in a relationship that no longer brings you joy or worse still, harms you

?? Hiring the wrong person

?? Continuing to support a cause that doesn’t align with your values

can take a toll on your well-being and happiness.

Swallowing your pride and acknowledging that something isn’t quite right is hard, but it’s also incredibly freeing.

And a big reason it’s so hard is because of our collective ego.

Our ego is always on the lookout for a bit of drama, an enemy to blame or pick a fight with, in order to keep us close to the problem. It tells us that admitting we got it wrong is a sign of weakness, when in reality, it’s one of the strongest things we can do.

The longer you stay stuck, the harder it becomes to make a change. But acknowledging that something isn’t right and having the courage to at least be objective and think 'what if I might have got it wrong? vs 'what if I am wrong?' can open the door to new opportunities and a more fulfilling life.

So, What Do You Do Next?

Once you realize you might have got it wrong, here’s how to move forward:

1. Acknowledge and Accept the Mistake First, face it head-on. Don’t try to justify it or brush it under the rug. Own it. This is about being real with yourself and accepting that you’re human. Mistakes happen, and that’s okay.
2. Assess the Impact and Take Responsibility Next, take a good look at the situation. How has this mistake affected you and others? Taking responsibility means understanding the impact and being willing to make things right. This might mean having some tough conversations, swallowing your pride, or making amends where necessary.
3. Make a Plan to Move Forward Finally, figure out your next steps. What do you need to do to correct the course? Maybe it’s leaving a job, ending a relationship, or simply deciding to do things differently next time. The key here is to take action that aligns with your values and who you want to be. Use this experience as a stepping stone to grow and make better choices in the future.

Take It From Me

Life isn’t always black and white, and neither are our decisions. Sometimes, the most courageous thing you can do is to admit that you might have got it wrong and then take steps to make it right.

As someone who is creative - one of the things I am an expert in making ... is mistakes. I am also an expert in the courage of my convictions and to be able to put my hand on my heart and say, 'I think I got it wrong'.

From the first car I purchased at 15 (in NZ) all by half grown-up self using babysitting money, with my Dad having to return it for me that same day and getting my $200 back because it WAS a lemon, to recently apologizing to my husband for blaming him for something that wasn't his fault. [Edit: He is happy now that this is in writing!??]

So, the next time you’re faced with that gut feeling that something isn’t right, give yourself the space to think it through. And when the time comes, be brave enough to swallow your pride, quiet your ego and do what your head, heart and hunches tell you to do and move forward with courage and conviction.

As usual,

Be Bold, Brave and Brilliant!

Bernadette

P.S. I bring a powerful and relevant message to the front of the room or to the wider market, designed for leaders and sales teams with my Signature Keynote - 'Deliberate Disruption.'

If you’re not disrupting yourself in the way you think, feel, and act - then something or someone else will!

If you or your team are in a state of gridlock then let's look at moving you to a place of growth, so you can drive results even in these toughest of times. It is possible!

Message me this week to speak at your next sales meeting, SKO, or Association meeting.

Visit my speaker site BernadetteMcClelland.com