Oops! Mistaken but Moving Forward
The average print newspaper has between 50,000 and 100,000 words. The number varies based on the publication, but there are thousands of words and constant opportunities for potential mistakes in content, spelling, and grammar.
Print news publications have dwindled, but I’ll always have a fondness for them. I worked on my college newspaper and later as a full-time journalist for a daily newspaper and then freelanced here and there. Heated moments could arise when mistakes were printed, but mistakes on some level were inevitable: a comma missing, an article that should have been extended to do the subject more justice, or a misspelled name. The goal was to create editing processes that minimized mistakes, especially “big” mistakes. Yet, realistically, editors and journalists knew that a mistake here and there was natural.
Create processes in life to minimize mistakes, knowing you can’t eliminate them.
Some occupations and tasks call for flawless performance, yes. But, in general, there’s value in this idea of creating processes to minimize mistakes, not trying unfeasibly to eliminate them.
Creating processes to minimize mistakes helps you achieve goals while understanding that nothing can completely eliminate mistakes helps you live with contentment.
Processes to Minimize Mistakes
You can’t perfectly plan for every scenario. Keep that in mind in the middle of creating processes to minimize mistakes. Ask yourself:
> What’s in my control? Complete the tasks that are “yours” and back away. You can’t control everyone and everything.
> What are the most likely scenarios in which this could go wrong? Don’t pre-plan for every negative situation, but you can create contingency plans for the most likely scenarios. This is like a parent packing a change of clothes for a toddler for an outing but not a wardrobe.
> Are you striving to do the right thing? Are you choosing your values?
Also, have a personal “board of directors” of sorts. These are wise individuals who are good at offering advice in areas that matter to you. Their seasoned council in areas of expertise can help you minimize mistakes. Have people in mind for topics such as industry-specific work you do, financial decisions, matters of faith, navigating seasons of life such as parenting or retirement.
When Mistakes Happen
Even when you minimize mistakes, they will happen. Apologize for anything that truly should be owned up to, but don’t unnecessarily own mishaps. The “if I had…” game that’s only human nature to play post mistakes can be dangerously anxiety inducing. If it’s true, remind yourself that you made the best decision you could with the information you had at the time. If you could have done better, learn from the mistake and start looking forward…
Looking Forward; Completing the Loop
Mistakes are part of learning. When we only do what’s safe for fear of making a mistake, we don’t grow. Post-mistake, take intentional time to learn from the mistake. Is there something you can add to your process to minimize mistakes in the future? Add it to the list. Is there an unhealthy mindset you had post mistake? Process it or talk to a trusted person about it.
Don’t let fear of failure control you. You can’t control every circumstance and plan for every mishap. While some occupations and tasks call for flawless performance and some mistakes have varying levels of consequences attached, much of life is lived in this space where mistakes may be messy but are okay. In this space, create processes to minimize mistakes, not eliminate them. With this perspective, you’ll have an edge on both chasing goals and living with contentment.