I have enough experience to know that ‘Making Mistakes’ #3 is here today.
Why Do I Always…
Do you ask that question? You know, the one that ends with “end up with the wrong guy?” What answer did you come up with?
I don’t ask myself that exact question. But I do wonder why I repeat the same mistakes more than once. It’s not that I never learn, it’s just that it takes more than one experience to learn. Even if I can see that next mistake barreling down the highway at me, I still sometimes avoid getting out of the way until it’s too late. Do you, or did you use to, do the same thing? Why is that? Why does it take so long to learn from our mistakes?
___________________
Drawing and questions by Marty Coleman
Quote by Franklin P. Jones, 1908 – 1980, Philadelphia reporter, public relations executive and humorist
“Experience is that marvelous thing that enables you to recognize a mistake when you make it again.”
___________________
You know, I’ve actually had this discussion with a professional… She told me that people do what they’re used to and comfortable with, whether right or wrong. It’s not that we don’t know better, but going outside of our “norm” is uncomfortable and gives us anxiety. Why? Maybe because we’re unsure of how things will end up if we don’t stick to what we know. Maybe because we think we can do it right the next time since we have experience from our past mistakes… Which, as most of us know, usually just ends up in us making the “same” mistake as we made before, just a different person. Most people don’t even realize they’re continuing the cycle of dysfunction until it’s too late. Going out of our comfort-zone isn’t something most people are willing to do. I’m also guilty as charged in this. We all have our faults and our weaknesses. Until we really take the time to find ourselves and find new ways of handling situations (or relationships), we will continue to make the same “mistakes” over and over again. At the end of the day, if the same problem keeps happening no matter where you are in life; maybe it’s time to take a step back, look in the mirror, and ask yourself “Is it me?” Sorry for the long response!
Fiona, that is a great response, thanks! I agree. We have to be deliberate about looking at ourselves, not others. We also have to be willing to stick with a change we make. It is uncomfortable, but so is all change. Sticking with it past the discomfort is the key. Then the new way of thinking or acting will lead to new relationships, new attitudes.