How to React to Mistakes

When you’re about to embark on something new, remember–it’s not as dramatic as you think.  Take a good moment to think about it, and then act. 

Your mind is like this water, my friend. When it is agitated, it becomes difficult to see. But if you allow it to settle, the answer becomes clear.”

Master Oogway, Kung Fu Panda

The point is, you can’t think clearly in the moment, so take a few moments to really calm down and think it through. 

This is true in many instances, and even at school! This week, on my way to class, I realized I forgot to turn in a very important assignment! It was due at 10:00 AM that day, but it was already past noon.

My normal reaction would be: I CAN’T BELIEVE I’D FORGET SOMETHING SO IMPORTANT! I’M THE WORST PERSON EVER!

And then I wouldn’t be able to function for about an hour. This time, however, I took a step back and decided to think it through. “It’s only a couple hours late. I’ll turn it in as soon as I get to class. The worst that’ll happen is that I’ll lose a few points. That’s not very much in the grand scheme of things.” Was I still upset? Yes, but I was able to calm down and blow it off.

It’s so easy to just stop and think it through. I highly recommend it.

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