At some point in our lives, we have all made mistakes. Some are trivial while others are more severe. Some mistakes take a toll on us and potentially even alter the trajectory of our lives. 

But… take a deep breath! Haven’t we ALL made mistakes? Yep! Sometimes we make mistakes because of inexperience, naivety, or even ignorance.

Notice how I haven’t used any harsh words here like “stupidity” or “foolishness” to describe your actions. We all deserve second chances in life – including within ourselves.

I’ll be itemizing a few practical steps we can take in forgiving ourselves when we make mistakes.

Avoid perfectionism

We know that perfectionism is unattainable and striving for perfection is futile. This is not to say we don’t want to always put our best foot forward or make flimsy excuses for our shortcomings. Far from it! 

The point is that we need to be conscious of the fact that making mistakes is human nature.

It’s already a part of us, so the least you could do is to cut yourself some slack! Remember that you are human and are capable of making mistakes though not deliberate. Get the f*** up and move forward.

Swift reparation

When we make mistakes, we wish we could turn back the hands of time. Unfortunately, the hands of the time never pause, they keep going.

That is why when we face obstacles in life, we are encouraged to do what the time does, “keep going.”

But at times, it is possible to swiftly right a wrong.

Say, for example, you become friends with someone who influences you to make poor decisions. As a result, you engage in an activity you’re ashamed of.

You can be disappointed in yourself while remaining determined to ensure this doesn’t behavior repeat itself.

You’d be wise to quickly end that friendship. That way, you won’t find yourself in worse situations in the future.

Learn from the mistake

I have always reminded myself that the safest way to live is to learn from other people’s mistakes. Why do I have to experience a situation before I pick up the lesson?

Well, I guess it’s not always as easy as it sounds. 

When we make mistakes, they become huge lessons we can learn from to lead better, more purposeful, and fulfilling lives. When life knocks us down, we need to quickly get up, wipe off the dust and get going.

In all, always be kind to yourself. No one else will give you as much love as you should give yourself.