To err is human so don’t be your own worst critic

Have you ever made a mistake? If so, read on…

The adage "to err is human" rang true for my 13-year-old daughter, a talented goalkeeper for the local girls' league and the county team. Despite her success, she faced a challenging Saturday morning, hesitating and conceding two goals, leading to a wave of self-directed anger. After the match, she sought solace in her drumming and played for 2 hours solid without speaking to anyone. When she overcame her disappointment, I took the opportunity to share stories of renowned athletes like Mary Earps and Iga Swiatek, highlighting that even the best female athletes in the world have their off days.

Reflecting on my own experience in my professional life, I've recalled my own mistakes. I have sent emails with errors in them. I said silly things during meetings. I experienced a blank mind when interpreting. The thing is, I worried about these things more than the other people in the room. We are our own worst critics. Everybody makes mistakes. Everybody is upset about them. It's how you approach the aftermath that matters.

Here's my little practical guide on how to approach them:

• Acknowledge your mistake, perhaps with a touch of humour.
• Apologise, if appropriate.
• Learn from it.
• Seek feedback, demonstrating your commitment to improvement.
• Implement changes to prevent a recurrence.
• Stay positive, focusing on your strengths and corrective steps.
• Move on from it, using the experience to strengthen skills and renew confidence.

In both professional and personal life, approaching mistakes with professionalism and a proactive mindset turns them into opportunities for growth. Remember, it's not about the mistake itself but how you respond to it that truly matters.

The most important lesson: Everyone makes mistakes, and they do not define your overall competence.

After the challenging weekend, my daughter received an email from Aston Villa Girls Academy inviting her to a Goalkeeper Talent ID event. And just like that, she became the happiest girl alive once again – a testament to resilience and the potential for positive outcomes even after setbacks.