It is important to analyze and review our mistakes because they can become learning lessons. If we don’t determine what caused the mistake and how it affected ourselves or others, we are doomed to repeat it. First, it is important to acknowledge the mistake. This, in and of itself, can be difficult. Then we should consider what caused the mistake. Was it a lack of understanding or was it due to emotions? I personally write my mistakes in a journal. I jot down the cause and the effect. This helps me to be aware of how I can manage the problem more effectively if the situation occurs again. Learning from a past misstep can prevent you from making the same mistake twice.

It is critical to get feedback and use it to strengthen a project or program. A client shared the three questions she asks her students in a class she teaches about feedback. The questions are simple, non-threatening, but very effective. They are:

– What would you like to start?
– What would you like me to stop doing?
– What would you like me to continue to do?

Recently, my office had new vents installed to accommodate a separate heating zone for the space. This means bookcases no longer rest against walls lest they block the vents. I decided that this was also the perfect time to purge my hundreds of books that included writings on leadership, speaking, color, fashion, etiquette, and communication.

It turns out it was not difficult even though I am a book junkie, retaining some tomes for more than 30 years! The ones that stayed included books by Tony Robbins, Simon Sinek, Dale Carnegie, and from a favorite, Steven Covey.

I also kept books on first impressions and favorite inspirational and organizational quotes. Gone were books that didn’t stand the test of time. Gone were old tapes from conferences, manuals, and hundreds of badges and keepsakes. After sorting it all out, I took 15 bags of books to a new home at the hospital thrift shop!