The Inspiration
We all make mistakes. We are human.
However, when we start to label mistakes as regrets, we can dwell on them and self-perpetuate shame.
This can trap us in our past and limit our abilities to use lessons learned to shape our future.
The Innovation
The title is a reference to a scene from the movie “We’re the Millers” where a character reveals the tattoo;
Now, this is a movie and meant to be ironic, but it is also a literal example of what it looks like to wear our mistakes on our chest.
It doesn’t serve us to dwell on our mistakes or double down with shame. The past is written.
All we can do is own our mistakes as part of the human experience, so that we can reflect on what we’ve learned to sharpen the values we want to embrace now and into the future.
The Action
When I fixate on mistakes, it tends to be a function of fear.
Where ‘survival’ mechanisms kick in and use shame as a potent e-brake to question and avoid situations that create personal risk.
When this happens, take a step back and check-in;
- Is there a stressful situation I am (or will be) in?
- What are the risks?
- What’s the worst that can happen?
If we remove shame from the equation, we can hone in on what the real fear is and make a decision on what to do about it.
The Debrief
Growth is difficult. We must place ourselves in situations that leave us vulnerable.
Half the battle is to make it there; to avoid the distractions, like shame over past mistakes, that strive to keep us in our comfort zone.
Remember. You control the narrative. Leave the shame behind. And also that tattoo…
Chris (and Sprout!)
