Give Space to Make Mistakes

“Coach I am sorry I messed up!”

Often times when mistakes are made the next reaction is to be upset. Get frustrated. Throw the clip board. Sit them down on the bench until they “learn the lesson”.

But what is the lesson that you are trying to teach… yourself?

That mistakes aren’t allowed?

This is the rough part, but also the reality check.

Everyone makes mistakes.

Everyone.

You cannot stop yourself from making mistakes. And punishing yourself for mistakes is only going to create an atmosphere of shame. And Shame doesn’t win games.

Shame doesn’t win games.

Does that mean that you don’t punish for anything? You allow everything to slid? If you want to be a champion. If you want to rise to another level in this game of life. It requires you to punish for the right thing.

Punish for rebellion, not mistakes.

“Coach, I am sorry I messed up!”

“You did exactly what I asked you to do, you did not mess up at all.”

At one point I remember telling one student that I wanted him to drive the ball into the paint. To which he responded, “I can’t”. To which I respond, “Come out.”

If you’re not going to try, if you are going to show up, if you aren’t going to listen. That is a problem.

Show up! Mistakes and all. Don’t be afraid to “drive the ball into the paint” even if it means that you will loose the ball.

I rather you lose the ball and then learn to eventually not to lose the ball, rather than never try.

Have you been beating yourself for making mistakes?

Have you been hard on yourself for the natural ebb and flow of life? It’s time to let go. And focus on what matters…

Showing up.

Giving space for people to fall is what actually sets them up for success. Giving space for yourself to make mistakes is how you get to a point that you make less of them.

It’s like a baby learning to walk. People often count the mistakes of learning to walk as successes. Cheering them on.

As I watched this player drive the ball into the paint, he lost the ball, but boy was I excited to see him face the thing that made him nervous.

Who needs space to fail in your life?

Is it a friend? Family member? Is it you?

Give space for Mistakes

And become the champion you were always meant to be.