It took me decades, along with a lot of distress, withdrawals, and regrets, before I stopped resisting mistakes and learning to deal with failures.

Being a perfectionist, particularly obsessed with details and compliance, led me to view life’s pitfalls as the worst thing that could ever happen to me when, in reality, these low moments are just teachers always ready to show us where to improve and when to change direction.

MISTAKES ARE SIMPLY PERFORMANCE FEEDBACK, NOT A DEATH SENTENCE.

So why do we take them so personally?

Why do they scare us so much?

• Maybe it’s because we’ve been raised in a punitive society, where competition, comparison, and a focus on objective results are the primary measures of quality.

• Maybe it’s because we were taught from an early age to value the prize more than the journey.

• Maybe it’s because we tend to link our intrinsic worth to the achievements we accumulate.

• Or maybe all the options above and a few more.

This conflicting relationship with something so natural and inevitable is considered normal.

But does this behavior serve us?

How many times have we sacrificed our plans and dreams simply because we feared failing or exposing our weaknesses?

Wouldn’t it be healthier to approach our desires from a less fearful perspective?

I found out that it is possible!

Through therapy and self-reflection, I realized that I feel much better and achieve more when my actions are guided by positive thoughts that encourage me to pursue what I want, even if it comes with challenges, faults, and setbacks.

If we view the risk of failure in a broader context, we’ll see that we never truly lose; we either gain what we want or receive what we need.

When we try and “fail,” we gain feedback, experience, and valuable insights that prepare us for the next stage of our journey.

The issue lies not in the potential for mistakes, but in how we treat ourselves when they occur and how much we overestimate their significance.

So, I hope we can embrace the spirit of children who explore the world with open hearts and playfulness, despite their vulnerabilities and the lack of guarantees.

🎁 Related posts:

Overcoming Inauthentic Choices for a Fulfilling Life

What Happens When We Overcome The Victim Mentality

Bridging the Gap to Your Dreams