Stop Being So Hard On Yourself

Do I make mistakes?

Yes, I do. 

Do I like making them?

I certainly do not. 

Fear of failure has made me treat myself harshly for a mistake.

Making mistakes in life is inevitable. If this fact is true, then how do we stop being so hard on ourselves?  Perhaps the way we think of mistakes is different then how God views them.

Let's take a look at God's attitude towards us as we learn and make mistakes during the process.

"Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him.  For He knoweth our form; He rememberth that we are dust." Psalms 103:13-14

"But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." Hebrews 5:14

"We glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience hope: and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our heart by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly." Romans 5:3-6

"But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8

"For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life." Romans 5:10

God deals with us quite differently than we may have thought.  He is understanding and patient with us as we learn new things. He knows that during the learning process that we will gain experience.  Our heavenly Father has high standards, but He also is forgiving when we do not meet those expectations.  "My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not.  And if any man sin we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." 1John 2:1

Why do mistakes feel bad?  "For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death." 2 Corinthians 7:10 If you are being hard on yourself because you feel bad (could be angry, frustrated, or hurt) for making a mistake, then ask yourself a few questions.

1. Could you learn something about yourself?

2. Could you grow in a way you wouldn't have if you hadn't gone through the situation?

3. Could you gain an appreciation for something or someone?

4. In the future, if a similar situation happens, would you have a better idea on how to handle it?

5. Could you learn or gain a new skill?

When we go through situations it is a healthy practice to think or write down the good that we can get out of it. "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28  It's natural for us to want to figure out what went wrong.  After a situation occurred that event may replay over and over in our heads.

It's important to remember that God wants to forgive us. "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  Life is a learning experience. Every single day we get to decide to improve.

Dwelling on past regrets and continuing to be hard on yourself doesn't help you.  Learning and growing from the experience makes it have purpose. You can choose to suffer from a life experience, or you can learn to move beyond it and thrive. "Search me O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Psalms 139:23-24  Stop being so hard on yourself. God wants you to learn the lesson.  Learn the lesson so that you can grow and move on.  God has an expected end for your life.  Focus on the future.  Give yourself permission to have dreams, interest, and a better life.  

Be patient with yourself, as God lead you in the way of discovery.  He knows that you may not know how to handle every new situation that you encounter in life. Learning new things takes time.  Find the joy in the learning process.

Have a wonderful productive day in the Lord!

Love,

Precious Lowe

Just a few more things...

1. If you found this post helpful, please leave us a comment below. We would love to hear from you!

2. Would you like a printable outline of the 5 Questions To Ask Yourself, after making a mistake?