Episode #8 Admit Your Mistakes
It’s a fact: no one is perfect. But that doesn’t stop us from pretending that we have it all together, does it? This week, Dr. Michael Brown chats with Gabe Dunbar about what it looks like to take off the masks we wear and own our shortcomings.
Show Notes
We know everyone’s imperfect. And yet we spend our lives trying to prove to everyone around us that we are perfect.Dr. Michael Brown
Three Problems
- We will never make the impact we want to make in life if we do not learn to admit our mistakes.
- We often pretend that we have it all together even though we know deep down that nobody has it all together.
- The inability to admit mistakes cultivates conflict and leads to loneliness.
Three Principles
- Mistakes do not define us, but they are important parts of our personal narratives that are still worth sharing.
- Admitting mistakes helps others relate to us because they make mistakes too.
- The only unforgivable mistake is one that is not admitted.
Three Practices
- Regularly speak the ten most important words in the English language: “I am sorry. I was wrong. Will you forgive me?”
- Normalize acknowledging your failures to create a safe space for others to acknowledge their failures as well.
- Trust that admitting your mistakes actually increases the respect others have for you.
Related Dimensions
Related Episodes
Study Your Mistakes
Admitting our shortcomings is a prerequisite to personal growth, but it’s only the first step. This week, Dr. Michael Brown and Dan Costello challenge us to lean in, look closely, and learn from our mistakes.
Offer An Apology
The 10 most important words you could ever say: “I am sorry. I was wrong. Will you forgive me?” This week, Dr. Michael Brown and Casey Greenawalt talk about the power and importance of apologizing.
Stop Making Excuses
When we fill our conversations with shifting blame and pointing fingers, we rob the people around us of the opportunity to truly know us and show us grace. This week, Dr. Michael Brown and Amy Seiffert challenge us to stop letting ourselves off the hook and start owning our mistakes.
