Mistakes? We’ve made a few…regrets? We’ve all got them. That’s the first thing to remember, so you’ve messed up? So has everyone, yes it seems more significant when it’s you but honestly in a few days, weeks, however long it takes, you will be over it and so will everyone else.
So, what can you do to make yourself feel better just now and in the long run?
Say Sorry
It’s always the first step and the best policy, say sorry, to begin with. You know you’ve screwed up, no matter how big or how small, whether you’re making that phone call to ask someone to find you a bail bond company or you’re explaining to your sister why her top has a hole in it. Either way, say you’re sorry!
Get Real
Take a step back and gain some perspective and a reality check on the situation. Hopefully, the mistake you’ve made isn’t too serious, and if so, it helps to try to logically and objectively evaluate what you’ve done. Hopefully, your mistake is fixable, which is something to be grateful for and while you may have upset some people you are close to, this can probably be fixed. It may take some time, but it should be able to be resolved.
Don’t let it happen again
Mistakes, honest or not can always be avoided, hence why they are called errors. So, don’t keep doing it. No one will ever forgive you if you keep making the same mistakes over and over again and they won’t believe you’re sorry either.
Take a break
Remove yourself from the situation and the environment that you are/were in when you messed up. Stop your mind obsessing on the situation and mulling over it again and again. Just take a breather, take a step back, get out of the negative headspace you’re now in and the make a plan for how you will rectify the situation. Remember, it will all be alright.
Be nice to yourself
Don’t beat yourself up – yes you made a mistake, but you’re sorry, and you’re going to fix it. A bit of self-compassion following a moment of guilt and sadness over a mistake is fine, but you’re not expected to be a perfect human being with physical perfection and ideal lives. You will screw up, you are human, and it’s okay to mess up. Dwelling on a mistake could have a detrimental effect on your mental health or your ability to be yourself around friends, co-workers, and loved ones. They are just people too, they have also made mistakes, and they will support you, even if you have hurt them. Take a deep breath, try to calm yourself down, and remember that it isn’t the end of the world. You can always start again, and when your head hits the pillow, remember that tomorrow’s another day!
