Whenever I make a mistake—small, big, any size—at first, I usually feel a hot wave of shame. Panic careens through my body for a moment. So intense, it’s almost blinding.
In those moments, I have to breathe and remind myself, “Everybody makes mistakes. Even Oprah. Even the people who seem super-human. It’s normal. It’s okay. Nobody does things perfectly 100% of the time.”
Nobody. Not even the leaders that we greatly admire.
President Barack Obama’s team once released a message with a glaring typo: "Congrssional Budget Office.” Whoops.
Senator Cory Booker once urged everyone to "re-elect President Barak Obama." Another typo there. Doh!
Once, I got invited to be a guest on a major radio show. I was intimidated and worried that I wouldn’t do a good enough job. I prepped diligently, because I definitely wanted to be “perfect.”
I dialed into the show, and then—much to my shock and amusement—the host proceeded to called me “Andrea” and “Amber” throughout the entire conversation. My name is Alexandra. This happened live. On the air. This man is a well-respected media personality. He goofed up…and honestly? I didn’t mind. I was actually relieved. Because it reminded me that…he’s human. Just like me. Just like you.
I hope this message brings some relief into your heart.
You can be imperfect and successful.
Perfection is not required for greatness.
A project can be excellent, helpful, and inspirational. Even if it contain a few mistakes.
You can improve thousands of people’s lives through your business and the services you offer. Even if your next email contains a typo or a broken link or the wrong date.
Your book can bring hope into someone’s heart, or even change someone’s life. Even if there’s a misspelled word on page 72.
We can aim for excellence, and get pretty darn close, with the knowledge that humans are humans, and clunky moments will inevitably happen…and it is okay.
Most mistakes are quickly forgotten, immediately forgiven, and usually not as big a deal as we think. And the mistakes that truly are a big deal? There’s always a way to handle those situations with professionalism, humility, and grace, and emerge better than before.
Go make a few mistakes today.
When you make a mistake, instead of being ashamed, be proud. Because each mistake is proof that you’re fully in it. You’re trying. You’re creating. You’re pressing forward. You’re sharing. You’re taking risks. You’re in the arena, not waiting idly on the sidelines.
Nobody is doing it perfectly.
And isn’t that such a relief.
-Alex
PS. What’s one mistake, hiccup, or blunder that happened for you recently, and what did you learn from the experience?
Here’s one of mine: I was scheduled to teach a class. But somehow, the appointment didn’t get added to my calendar. And I almost didn’t show up. It was pure luck and serendipity that I discovered the error (just in time) and was able to prep and show up and lead the class. Everything worked out fine. Life goes on. And, I learned a few things. Onward and upward. Kaizen. Better than before.
PPS. A few years ago, I was struggling immensely with perfectionism. A colleague challenged me to send out a couple emails that *intentionally* included a typo. She told me, “Do it. Because by doing this, you’ll retrain your brain. You’ll prove to yourself that you can make a small mistake, and it’s okay, and it doesn’t wreck anything.” I bristled. I didn’t want to do this. But I took her advice. I did it. It felt so naughty. Ooh, bad girl! Typing
“teh” instead of “the.” But this very small challenge changed my life. Try it this week. See what happens.
