Many lessons are only learned the hard way. We make the best choices we can in the moment and only later realize there’s a better way. But this is the journey of growth – learning better for next time and not repeating the same mistakes.
As much as we might like to get things perfect the first time out, life rarely works this way. Much learning takes place only through the paths of disappointment and failure.
For instance, we might only truly learn the value of budgeting after experiencing financial setbacks, or the importance of growing up emotionally after a series of relational disappointments.
Through the heartache and pain something clicks inside that says never again!
And this takes place in the otherwise mundane aspects of life as well.
For example, after being burned in a business deal, we might learn to read the fine print of a contract or double check references before beginning a major project.
Whatever the case, life is filled with many moments in which we must simply learn better for next time.
There’s no need to beat ourselves up for not getting it right the first time. We humbly chalk these disappointments up to the cost of learning.
But the key is actually learning and knowing better for next time. This is maturity.
And both our maturity and sanity come into question when we keep doing the same thing expecting a different result.
Simply put – We learn better. We do better.
Being too hard on ourselves, or not applying what we’ve learn, are the only true failures here.
Humbly accept the cost of your ignorance and know (and do) better for next time.
Photo by Mariano Nocetti on Unsplash
