Own up

Have you ever made an honest mistake that cost your parents money? Have you ever made a promise that you didn’t deliver? Or, have you unknowingly offended someone you love with your choice of words?  If you answered yes to any of the above, relax, it only means you’re human.

 While making mistakes is a part of life, making things right about those mistakes is vital to becoming better humans. Here are my thoughts on owning up.

Take the first step

Many times when we make a mistake up, the first thing we do is wait till someone points it out clearly. And if no one does then we sweep it under the rug giving room to a toxic habit. 

My first week at Starbucks I misplaced a $20 bill. I was embarrassed to tell my shift manager however I decided to do it. Her reaction was surprisingly positive. She then shared with me how confusing it is for her at the time of deposit when money is misplaced but she doesn’t know who misplaced it. She thanked me for telling her. 

Admitting a mistake isn’t a nice feeling at first but after you do it an invisible burden is lifted.

Above and beyond

At one point of our lives we make a promise to a nephew, mom, boss, best friend that we end up breaking. The moment that occurs their trust on our word is either shattered or shaken. Their soul is hurt and what better way to mend things than asking for forgiveness? 

Last month, I had promised my girlfriend to take her to the beach over the weekend. She treasures relaxing by the ocean. Working tirelessly to finish an important assignment due on Sunday night, I couldn’t keep the promise. Towards the end of the weekend, I called up my girlfriend and said these words, “I am sorry for breaking the promise I made you. These two coming weekends I will make sure all my assignments are done so I can take you and make up for not keeping the promise I made you”. She was hurt but admired that I admitted my mistake. Next weekend came and I took her to beach. I acknowledged the damage I caused and owned up to it.

Sometimes, committing a mistake gives us an opportunity to perform an introspective check up, make the necessary internal adjustments so it won’t happen again. Is it difficult? Yes. Is it worth it? Also yes.

You will make a mistake tomorrow and the next day and the next day. How quickly you choose to own up to it, how gracefully you go about making things right is up to you. You have the power. Own up.