Who Is Our Best Self When We Make Mistakes?

This is a question I asked myself after I’d sent an email to a new client with a typo in her email address. Needless to say, she didn’t receive it. And, I didn’t realize that for several days.

Here’s the answer that came to me when I asked myself, “What does my best self look like when I make a mistake?”

She apologizes. And, quickly and fully admits she messed up. She fixes whatever she can. She asks the other person what they need for it to be cleaned up. If it fits for her, she does whatever the person requested or offers what does fit for her.

She loves herself throughout. She doesn’t criticize, demean or shame herself. She good-heartedly acknowledges her humanness.

Who Is Our Best Self When We Make Mistakes?

Ah, to be as shimmery as this begonia flower, even as I am correcting a mistake.

She lets it go. With lightness and humility, she moves on . . .

What does your best self say? I’d love your thoughts and comments below.

(Excerpted from my forthcoming book, “Strong from Within: Simple perceptions and practices for transforming stress and overwhelm into clarity and purpose”)

2 thoughts on “Who Is Our Best Self When We Make Mistakes?”

  1. Ken, thank you for doing the research!

    And, for all you silent readers, I’d imagine that me and Ken are not the only ones with experience in this area.

    If you’ve read this far, let’s hear from you, too!

    To the humanness of us all.

    Reply
  2. Well, this is an area where I do have some expertise! I have given myself lots of opportunity to try out different responses….

    And I must say, I agree with your suggestions wholeheartedly. What I have learned that works best for me is exactly as you recommend: Don’t berate myself, and do my best to clean it up.

    Reply

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