Lately, I’ve noticed that I’m using that phrase a lot in conversations. I guess I've made a lot of mistakes.
One of the mistakes I made last year was (just fill in the blank) and there are plenty of answers to fill in the blank when I think about the last year (I wont be including those answers in this blog).
What I’m more and more discovering is how freeing it is to admit my mistakes. So I’ve been admitting my mistakes – without justification or blame shifting or denial. I made mistakes last year. I wasn’t the only one. People make mistakes, it’s part of being human – and I’m certainly human. Admitting helps me to learn important lessons and helps others know that I am learning. And when people know you are learning they are quick to forgive and encourage and support.
Admitting my mistakes also makes it easier to stand firm when I know I’m not mistaken. I also got some things exactly right last year. Saying “I know I’m right” is heard much more readily when I’m not afraid to say, “I know I was wrong.” Somehow it’s all more genuine and authentic.
Lately, I’ve started listening for other voices telling me about the mistakes they made last year. I don’t hear many. It’s really not surprising. No one really wants to admit that their mistake led to oil spills in the gulf, stock market crashes, the Twilight movie series or losing the LeBron sweepstakes. But if they did, I suspect we’d be quicker to forgive and encourage and support.
No one can really resist authentic humility.
So think for a moment – how would you fill in the blank: One of the mistakes I made last year was….
