“The tragedy is not that we make mistakes but that we are prone to make the same mistakes.”

A thought by Jeff Manion (2010-07-14) in his book, The Land Between: Finding God in Difficult Transitions (p. 139). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

There are so many people who get so upset when they make a mistake so it is difficult to understand why they keep making the same mistake over and over again.  I mean wouldn’t you think because it is such a negative emotional experience for them that they would do whatever they could to not visit this same place again and it seems again?  But somehow they haven’t learned the assessment and asking step in making mistakes.                                                                                   

It is a difficult step.  It is much easier to believe that somehow the next time will be different.  So we do the same thing but we believe that life will turn out differently this time.  It is a faith thing.  I mean didn’t Jesus turn the water into wine.  Yes he did but He also created a complex marvel inside your skull called a brain and He expects you to use it.

It is true that some people like the attention they get from making mistakes.  They really need that focus on them so they make the same mistake hoping someone will feel bad for them.  To them it is a positive experience but for most, that isn’t true.    

There are others however who stop and analyze what happened.  What was the cause and what do I need to do differently?  What difficult thing do I need to do to get out of this rut of making the same mistake over and over?  

They also have learned that they may need help in doing this?  So they find someone who has experience in this area and ask them what they would do?   Now some make the mistake of asking a peer, someone who is making the same mistake.  That won’t help in finding the answer but it will help in getting attention or making the same mistake again.     

Another thing, there are tremendous books out there that will help you in finding answers.  That is one of the main purposes in my writing this blog to introduce you to people who will help you. 

Margaret and I were going through a decision time last summer and I found myself at Barnes and Nobles and I found the book, The Principle of the Path by Andy Stanley.  It was exactly what we needed.  We were going through another decision time two months back and I suggested to Margaret that maybe we revisit the book again.  We just finished it again this week.  Again it gave us help in making a decision about our future.

So what about you?  What mistake have you made over and over?  Why don’t you stop and take the time to find out what happened and find out what new direction you need to take.  Why not start now?

What do you think?