Making mistakes doesn’t normally feel very good, because few people relish the thought of attracting ridicule or anger from others, or disappointing ourselves or others whom we respect. And, unfortunately, there are a few less-than-skillful people — leaders, managers, entrepreneurs, colleagues — who don't realize the potential benefit of mistakes and don't know how to guide others through them.

Even so, having to admit to making a mistake can feel worse — until you realize that not owning up to the mistake often ends up seeming far worse. Why? For one thing, the stress associated with hiding a mistake, the looming fear that someone will discover it, the shame in not being truthful to your colleagues, and the ramifications of the actual mistake can weigh heavily on anyone. These consequences can also contribute to a log-jam your thinking, and prevent you from moving forward clearly and effectively.

Now consider the alternative: admitting to a mistake and making the most of this opportunity. Just think:

• Making mistakes are often considered a signal of risk-taking, which many feel leads to further growth;
• Mistakes can be a learning tool — after making a mistake, you now know what not to do, and have most likely learned quite a bit about other options;
• To err is human, and an unescapable part of learning — you’re not alone if you've made a mistake; and
• Mistakes are sometimes the fuel for a rocket of an idea or perspective. (Many popular and successful inventions started off as so-called mistakes!)

After admitting a mistake, the load lifts, and you can move into a more productive and healthy mental space. The only way you’ll experience this relief is by trying it.

Tip: Have the Courage to Admit Mistakes and Move On

Henry Ford said, "Failure is the opportunity to begin again more knowledgeably." The next time you make a mistake:

• Take a deep breath to center yourself around reality, not a frenzy of "what ifs" and "he’ll be furious" type of thinking.
• Come up with solutions to the mistake and your plans for implementing those solutions.
• With these lists in hand, approach the person(s) that are affected by the mistake and/or your supervisor, and explain your intention, such as, "Unfortunately, I’ve made a mistake that I want to tell you about, and I’ve come up with some solutions that I’d like to run by you."
• Provide as much information as you have, including your proposed solutions. This will help boost confidence in your abilities and reduce any fear the person(s) might have about the potential effects of the mistake (whether a physical or relationship-based mistake).
• Take agreed-upon action. This action, coupled with the admission will do more to resolve the mistake that a perfectly hidden mistake. Also, your response to the mistake (both the admission and the resolution) can boost your intrapersonal communication ability and the image others have of you higher than it was prior to the mistake.
• List at least three things you’ve learned from the mistake, and how you’ll incorporate them into your ways of operating. This will allow you to move on in a productive manner and transition the mistake into a learning!