Tomorrow is our country’s celebration of freedom.  Let me share a quote by Mahatma Gandhi.   

"Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes." 

Since we come from a Judeo/Christian ethic that tells us we should always be striving for perfection,  it’s vital to recognize our freedom to make mistakes.  And not beat ourselves up for not being perfect. 

The definition of perfection is this: an ideal faultlessness; especially, the divine attribute of complete excellence.  The quality or state of being perfect or complete, so that nothing is wanting. 

Perfection sounds pretty boring to me…nothing wanting.  It seems to me that our wantings (strivings) are what make us human.  Now consider that in the greater scheme of things there are multiple ways of perceiving (looking at)  “mistakes.”   

“I did something wrong; I’m less than I should be.”

“ I made a mistake, I don’t deserve _____________.” 

“I missed the mark; I’m a bad person.” 

But there is a more creative and productive way to view ‘mistakes.’  It says, “I missed the mark; what can I learn about this for next time?  What can I learn from this experience that gets me closer to what  I’m striving for?” 

Guilt squanders human resources.  It wastes time and energy on non-productive mental processes. Guilt  is designed to be a stepping stone for doing things differently next time¾a trigger for change.  Wallowing in the guilt of your mistakes short changes the potential for learning.  It negates your freedom by locking you where you are. 

This works in your business endeavors, your personal relationships, your intellectual and spiritual pursuits.  You have freedom to make mistakes, but learn from them and do things with those lessons in your future! 

Setbacks (mistakes) are inevitable.  They are the evidence that you're doing something.  The more mistakes you make, the greater your chances of success.  Failures indicate a willingness to experiment and take risks.  Unstoppable people have learned that each failure can bring wisdom and insight that gets you closer to achieving your dreams.    

So are you striving for perfection?  Here’s a newsbreak!  It doesn’t exist!  And if you got there, you’d be mind-numbingly tiresome.  I mean, where do you go from perfection?  But there are lots of possibilities from a mistake¾all upward and onward¾if you choose to perceive it as a springboard. 

Ask these questions about your next (or your last mistake):

1. What can I learn from what happened?
2. What am I grateful for about this experience?
3. What are the potential benefits of this experience?
4. What is the best way for me to move forward?

The next time you make a mistake in your rural business, or in your family, or with your coworkers, acknowledge it and figure out what you learned.  There is a gift for you in every experience—even mistakes.  But you have to look for it.