Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Bouncing back from blunders:



When, not if, but when you make a mistake the best thing you can do is..., the best thing to do is bounce back and learn from the mistake.

We usually know when we blow it, but, we don't really feel the sting until someone else points out our mistake.  This is where the rubber meets the road.  Now what?

I'm not saying I do this well, or I always do this every time, but this is the direction I'm trying to take:
#1. When someone cares enough to point out my mistake, I try to listen, not just hear them out, but really listen to what they are saying.

#2. Then, I thank them.  I'll say, "Thanks for caring," or "Thank you for pointing that out, I needed to hear that."

#3. I ask them what I can do better in the future, how can I avoid that mistake next time, or simply do whatever it is right?  People love to share their opinion and many people have good ideas, if we'll listen.

To really grow and mature, we have to be open to people speaking truth into our lives.
It's embarrassing,  it's painful, it's even awkward.  It hurts to think we aren't perfect, but we have to give people permission to untie our personal blindfolds & unveil our flaws to us.

I don't know anyone who likes to have their shortcomings pointed out, but I know plenty of people who appreciate personal growth.  Well, I'm learning in life, you can't have one without the other.


2 comments:

Bob Schlessman said...

We have a lot in common when it comes to this topic Craig. But your comment that we can't experience personal growth without having our shortcomings pointed out hit home for me. And as I have learned (numerous times), listening to someone and truly hearing them is two different things entirely.

craigcottongim said...

Amen brother! I sure miss you & Vickey!