19 Dumb Mistakes We've Made, But Now I'm Trying To Learn From Them | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

19 Dumb Mistakes We've Made, But Now I'm Trying To Learn From Them

“Isn't it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?” ― L.M. Montgomery

69
19 Dumb Mistakes We've Made, But Now I'm Trying To Learn From Them
123rf.com

Life is too short to be worrying about things that other people say or do. For so long, I've been wanting to write about all the dumb things I have done throughout my life, however, that list would be very long. For this reason, I have chosen 19 items, which were the first that came to my mind.

While writing this list, I have realized that mistakes are very common among people; mistakes make us human. These mistakes have helped to grow as a person and to focus more on what really matters.

Many times, I have lost track of what my goals, perspective, thoughts, and opinions were because I was very busy trying to prove myself to others. As I grew older, I finally understood the purpose of mistakes. Mistakes make you wiser if you allow yourself to learn from them.

1. Always trying to be perfect.

Let's just face it, we all want to be the best of the best. However, perfection is something that does not exist. We are just wasting our time trying to strive for perfection when the only thing we should be doing is to just be ourselves. We all have flaws, and that's what makes us unique.

2. Depending on other people.

Many times, I have been guilty of waiting for others to do the hard work--not because I can't, but because I am afraid of taking responsibility. Some other times, I just get afraid of being by myself and try to have someone to go with me everywhere I go.

Sometimes, it is hard to realize that you are becoming an adult and have to take control of your life. Being independent, for sure, is something that gives you satisfaction and pride, but at the same time, it can be scary.

3. Not connecting with people because I don't trust them.

After years and years of trusting the wrong people, I came to a point in which I just decided to stop sharing everything that came to my mind. I became more reserved and more selective with people. However, that did not work either. Nowadays, I feel like it is very hard to find the right people because you will never know for sure if that person is genuine and can be trusted.

4. Caring too much about appearance.

Most people do it because we are predisposed to do that. But, sometimes it just takes up time that could be used for something more productive. Every day, I get surprised by the things that I see on social media. The standards imposed by society are just unattainable.

5. Only listening to the things I want to hear.

I have done this a lot, and what I have learned is that it does not make your problems go away.

6. Not knowing how to take good care of people.

I just suck at this!

7. Being indecisive and overthinking.

This is certainly my BIGGEST problem. I know I just have to stop thinking and stop replaying those failure scenarios. Sometimes overthinking can be more dangerous than acting impulsively.

8. Pretending I don't care.

Just so you know, when someone acts as if they don't care, that means they actually DO CARE. I definitely need to be more direct and clear in the future.

9. Being afraid of the unknown.

Everyone is, so just enjoy the ride because this is life.

10. Not crying.

I am not trying to act tough, nor am I trying to hide my weaknesses. My problem is that I have become too good at hiding my emotions that when I genuinely feel like crying, I can't. This is just not good. People see it as rude; they may say you have a stone heart, or that you are just not being empathetic. Just be honest and let the tears out.

For the record, I do cry a lot when someone says/does something very funny.

11. Forgiving but not forgetting.

I do forgive people but tend to not forget. However, if you don't forget, some resentment and bitterness are still there. That means you did not entirely forgive that person. This is just negative energy, you need to let it go.

12. Being afraid of being wrong.

I know I am not always going to be right, and this is why I try to prevent myself from making mistakes. Lots of thinking and planning. Now you can get a sense of my problem and why I have trouble sleeping at night.

13. Beingpessimistic.

I am always imagining the worst-case scenarios and thinking that everything I'll do will not end up well.

14. Not doing what I am passionate about.

I do regret this a lot. You know what they say though, it is never too late to do it. Everyone wants to do something that may sound crazy or impossible, but if you believe in yourself, then what could go wrong?

15. Procrastination.

This is just like a chronic problem that gets worse and worse as time goes by. If someone finds the cure, let me know ASAP.

16. Not paying attention.

Many would think that I am referring to not paying attention to class, which I certainly do, but no. I am referring to not paying enough attention to others. (By the way, I am not going to blame technology because it goes beyond that).

Thanks to Psych class, I have started to pay more attention to my surroundings. Well, I have noticed that people are way too obvious when they are begging for a bit of attention. Nevertheless, we are not good at reading these signs or body language.

17. Forgetting about important...

...Just forgetting about everything that is marked as "important" because we have some sort of "selective" memory.

18. Not being able to stay angry/mad for a decent amount of time

What can I say, I have a "Corazon de pollo." This is why many people don't take me seriously.

19. Not sharing.

By sharing I don't mean sharing material stuff. What I really mean is sharing what is in your mind and heart. It is very important to just talk to someone about your day or how you are feeling. Otherwise, your feelings get bottled up. Trust me, that's not good.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

187852
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

13396
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

456737
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

25939
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments