Mistakes. No Problem

Mistakes. No Problem

 We want people to fail!  That’s right, because we all know that we are the product today of all of our accumulated failures.  We have learnt what works and does not work by trying something, failing and then adjusting the way we do things.  Legendary Basketball Coach John Wooden once said, "Failure is not fatal, but failure to change might be." The obvious point he was trying to convey is that everyone makes mistakes and fails. It is what you do after the mistake or failure that makes all the difference. Here are 5 ways to shake off your mistakes and move forward to success.

Brush it off 

No one is perfect. Once in awhile everyone makes mistakes, it’s going to happen. Don’t spend time worrying about it, cooperate with the inevitable and focus on what you are doing.  This is how we learn, so see a mistake as a stage in your education.  In high tech environments the mantra is "fail faster", because they know how important it is to try new things when seeking breakthroughs.

Don’t fuss about trifles 

Forget the small stuff. Perfecting something pointless or of low value makes no sense and adds little value.  If you can mentally stop obsessing about the smaller mistakes, you’ll be more focused and catch the larger ones before they happen.

Don’t worry about the past 

Shake off your mistakes and move on. Don’t live in yesterday (or tomorrow for that matter).  Forget about what happened, no matter how silly or embarrassing. By letting go of the past it will help you focus on your current task.  "Mistakes are building blocks for enlightenment" – think of them that way, get on the front foot and start pushing forward.

Profit from your mistakes 

So you’ve made a mistake, now figure out why you made the mistake, make a note and move on. Making even a mental note will help remind you to be more careful next time the situation comes up.  

Rest before you get tired 

Many times silly mistakes are made simply because you are tired. Tiredness combined with making too much haste makes for a nasty combination. Errors will pop up like weeds after rain.  Make sure that you get enough sleep and sometimes it is better to tell yourself "go slower!"

Mistakes are rarely "game over" in business.  Remember, this is a marathon not a sprint.  We need consistency, reliability and stamina.  Reacting to mistakes is a more critical skill than eliminating them.  You will never eliminate them all, so defining what comes next is more important.

Engaged employees are self-motivated. The self-motivated are inspired. Inspired staff grow your business but are you inspiring them? We teach leaders and organisations how to inspire their people. Want to know how we do that? Contact me at [email protected]

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About The Author

Dr. Greg Story: President, Dale Carnegie Training Japan

In the course of his career Dr. Greg Story has moved from the academic world, to consulting, investments, trade representation, international diplomacy, retail banking and people development. Growing up in Brisbane, Australia he never imagined he would have a Ph.D. in Japanese decision-making and become a 30 year veteran of Japan.

A committed lifelong learner, through his published articles in the American, British and European Chamber journals, his videos and podcasts “THE Leadership Japan Series”, "THE Sales Japan series", THE Presentations Japan Series", he is a thought leader in the four critical areas for business people: leadership, communication, sales and presentations. Dr. Story is a popular keynote speaker, executive coach and trainer.

Since 1971, he has been a disciple of traditional Shitoryu Karate and is currently a 6th Dan. Bunbu Ryodo (文武両道-both pen & sword) is his mantra and he applies martial art philosophies and strategies to business.