None of us likes to make mistakes, but mistakes can teach us great lessons. The painful consequences of mistakes do a lot to help us remember what happens when we make a bad decision. My son Jordan doesn’t feel pain the way other people do and it has made life more difficult for him. Pain has a purpose. It warns us to stay away from danger and protects us from things that can hurt us. So when we feel the pain of a mistake, it helps us not fall into the same pitfalls again.
When I think about learning from mistakes I’ve made, these are the ones that have taught me the most.
When I Didn’t Do What I Knew Was Right
When I did something for the wrong reasons or felt like what I was doing was wrong but I did it anyway, it always gave me my biggest regrets. Those regrets made me remember to do the right thing when faced with future decisions. Learning from mistakes can be painful, but it is almost always effective.
If you follow your convictions and stand up for what you believe in, you are going to be in good shape.The Importance of Following Convictions
You always have situations where you have to make decisions. One of the best pieces of advice I ever received came from my parents. If you follow your convictions and stand up for what you believe in, you are usually going to be in good shape. That’s what I try to teach my kids. Don’t worry about the crowd or what people think of you. Remember the values you’ve been taught and the character you want to live with.
Sound off: What mistakes have taught you the most?
Huddle up with your kids and ask, “What do you think we can learn from our mistakes?”