Don't Be Embarrassed By Your Mistakes, Be Empowered By Them

“Do not be embarrassed by your mistakes.  Nothing can teach us better than an understanding of our mistakes.  This is one of the most effective forms of self-education.”  Thomas Carlyle, 19th Century Philosopher
 
Some people seem to have a natural gift for dealing with mistakes.  No matter what happens, they bounce back quickly, ready to move on to whatever comes next in life.  For others, recovering from mistakes can be a real struggle; they're incredibly hard on themselves when they mess up even slightly.  This, in turn, often leads to a downward spiral that can be hard to get out of.
 
If you have a tendency to view your mistakes with shame or embarrassment, shifting your mindset and reframing things as a learning opportunity can be one of the most empowering things you do for yourself.

---

 
Something to celebrate
 
When we allow ourselves to learn from our mistakes, it becomes much easier to get back on our feet, since our focus shifts from the mistake itself to what it is we're learning.  As a result, we don't just move on emptyhanded, we take something valuable with us.  We grow.  We mature.  We deepen our understanding.  We gain insight and greater awareness.  In short, we empower ourselves as we allow ourselves to be changed for the better.  That's hardly something to be embarrassed by; that's something to celebrate!
 
Reflect on your own personality and tendencies.  How do you usually react when you make a mistake in life?  Do you recover quickly?  Or are you more inclined to feel embarrassed by your mistakes and struggle with feelings of shame? 
 
If you find yourself falling into the latter category, strive to offer yourself the same understanding and compassion that you would offer to anyone else.  And remind yourself that those past mistakes can play a key role in shaping you and preparing you for the things that lie ahead, if you allow yourself to learn from them.