They say that history repeats itself. Often the phrase “learn from your mistakes” just doesn’t seem to be a reality.
Many people are embarrassed by their mistakes. Yet learning anything involves trial and error.
- Babies fall many times before they master walking.
- Learning to spell words requires repeated effort to learn the rules
Unfortunately, when it comes to living life, if you don’t learn from your mistakes, it can result in regret and pain.
Instead let’s:
- Own our mistakes
- See where we went wrong
- Keep track of progress
- Let Scripture be your guide
- Learn new skills
1. Learn from your mistakes by owning them
Looking back to move forward requires that you acknowledge where you were wrong.
Many people make excuses for why they did what they did. Excuses will never help you move forward.
Don’t place blame on others, even if they were part of the problem.
We need to learn to navigate the obstacles that people place in our way with healthy responses.
This is a very important step in learning from your mistakes.
2. Learn from your mistakes by seeing what went wrong
Many times seeing what went wrong and why we made mistakes requires help from a trusted friend. We often are blind to our weak areas.
If this seems intimidating, think of it this way.
- When you were a student, your teachers marked your mistakes in red. This really is no different.
- When you were learning a sport, your coach told you what to do differently.
- On-the-job training requires following an expert around as you learn a new job skill.
Mistakes are simply lessons. Try to reframe your thinking in such a way. Don’t let your thoughts hold you captive.
3. Learn from your mistakes by keeping track of your progress
Journals can help you learn from your mistakes. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy. Just a notebook and paper will do, but you can get as fancy as you like.
So what do you record in a journal as you learn from your mistakes?
Does this photo resonate with you? I would make a terrible carpenter because I can’t hammer a nail without bending it.
If I were to practice more, hammering a nail would come naturally. It is like learning a new habit. Today I would have to say I bent 90% of the nails. In a week or two 30% of the nails. And maybe in a month, no nails.
Progress may be slow, but any progress is better than none. You will be able to see that in your journal when you look back through it.
4. Learn from your mistakes by letting Scripture be your guide
If you are struggling with your identity, you may find it hard to learn from your mistakes. It is crucial that you understand who you are from God’s point of view.
Bible verses about owning your mistakes
“For we all stumble in many ways.” James 3:2a ESV
“Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.” Proverbs 28:13
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1
We all make mistakes. Some are minor, and others are monumental. But We have a loving God who wants to help us get past the feelings of guilt that many of us carry.
Own your mistakes. Many of them are due to sin, but God has a solution.
Bible verses about seeing what went wrong
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105
“Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation … ” Psalm 25:5
It is important that we involve God in this process. He created us. He understands us. He knows how to help us.
Bible verses about keeping track of progress
“For nothing will be impossible with God.” Luke 1:37
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13
“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6
You may think you will never get over this mountain of the past. But Scripture tells us the opposite when we are a child of God through a relationship with Jesus Christ.
God wants to teach us, help us overcome temptation, and He promises to keep working in us every day of our lives when we belong to Him.
I encourage you to keep a journal so you will see clearly the progress over time. Don’t give up. The eventual story that comes from your journey will be a blessing to you and others.
5. Learn from your mistakes by gaining new skills
What new skills do you need in order to learn from your mistakes? That really depends on the situation.
Many of the major mistakes in our lives are directly related to not following God’s principles that are found in the Bible. Don’t overlook this.
So what do you need help with?
- Knowing God in a personal way?
- Bible reading?
- Scripture memorization?
- Meditation on God’s words?
- Bible study?
- Prayer?
You can find help with all of these right here at The Creator’s Classroom.
You might also like to read:
- How to rise above the past
- Is forgetting the past a good thing or not?
- Freedom – how to forgive yourself for the past
Many thanks to Open Bible and Bible Gateway for our Scriptures used today.