I know you know that feeling, a mistake looms on the horizon, and the fear of falling flat on our faces sends shivers down your spine. What if I told you mistakes could be your new BFF? Yes, you read that right. Imagine if you approached mistakes with the same confidence and ease as hanging out with your best friend. Life would feel lighter, more fun, and a lot less stressful. Let me tell you how I learned this lesson when I was at SkyZone with my daughter.
I took my 4 year old daughter to SkyZone recently, the indoor trampoline park where kids can bounce, flip, and soar through the air. As a mom, my instinct was to warn her about falling—”Be careful!” “Watch out!” But as I watched her fall and get frustrated, I realized my protective instincts were holding her back.
So, I tried a different approach. I told her, “You’re going to fall, and that’s okay! Let’s jump and fall!” With that shift in mindset, something magical happened. She stopped worrying about falling and started having the time of her life. She jumped higher, laughed louder, and when she fell, she bounced right back up, ready to go again.
Why Anticipating the Fall Makes All the Difference
In life, we’re all going to fall—make mistakes, stumble, and sometimes fail. It’s inevitable. But if we approach these moments with the knowledge that falling is part of the process, it suddenly becomes less scary. Just like my daughter at SkyZone, when we anticipate the fall, we allow ourselves the freedom to take bigger risks, laugh a little louder, and enjoy the journey a whole lot more.
Here’s how you can make mistakes your BFF:
1. Change Your Perspective
Instead of dreading mistakes, see them as opportunities to learn and grow. When you know a mistake is coming, you can prepare yourself mentally, making it easier to bounce back.
2. Celebrate the Fall
Just like at SkyZone, where falling became part of the fun, celebrate your mistakes. They’re proof that you’re pushing your boundaries, trying new things, and living life to the fullest.
3. Practice Falling
If you’re constantly playing it safe, you’re not giving yourself the chance to
grow. Practice taking risks in small, controlled ways. Make a habit of stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing the possibility of failure.
4. Bounce Back Higher
The beauty of anticipating a fall is that you’re already prepared to get back up. Use each mistake as a springboard to propel yourself even higher. With every bounce, you gain more resilience and confidence.
Just like my daughter’s change in perspective at SkyZone, you too can transform your relationship with mistakes. Instead of fearing them, embrace them. Let them become your BFF, and guide you through life’s challenges. Remember, it’s not about avoiding the fall; it’s about how you bounce back that truly matters.
So, next time you find yourself staring down a potential mistake, take a deep breath, smile, and get ready to bounce. Life is so much more fun when you know falling is just part of the adventure!
Hugs & Love,
Dr. B
Xoxo