I’ve long thought there to be a distinction between the labels: mistake and error.
Although mistakes are themselves errors, they tend to become something a little different.
Take the word mistake. I love the word mistake; mis-take. It sounds like: I looked at something and on first take it looked okay - but in hindsight it seems my judgement was incorrect.
That’s what a mistake is… a mistake requires a good amount of admittance; when you can’t admit them – they’re not mistakes – they’re errors.
What’s wrong with errors?
Errors are blind, maybe someone else sees them – but you do not.
Errors are wrong decision, bad choices; action based on failed expectations. And there’s one main aspect that keeps an error from maturing into a mis-take and that is: the reluctance to learn.
Another glance, a second-take, or a better look - all make errors into something better. “Whoops, better not do that again” is a far reaching improvement over neglecting to spot a error in the first place - or worse, deluding yourself despite evidence, advice and feedback to the contrary.
Failures, fiascoes, catastrophes even; are not the enemy. They may feel a little uncomfortable for a while, but that’s no reason to resent them. Attaching negative feelings to already stressful events, though entirely natural, isn’t productive.
Patience, understanding and diligence are the key. If you make a mis-take, don’t fly off the handle; if you miss and opportunity, try to find out why; and when something is happening right under your feet - don’t just sit back and wait for it to consume you - take positive steps to correct it.
