Everyone makes mistakes in life. No matter how bad or terrible you may thing your mistakes are, someone out there has definitely made a worse one. And it’s time to stop reliving your mistakes and learn to move forward so you can live a content and happy life—but this can often be easier said than done.
You Can’t Change The Past
First and foremost, if you are still dwelling on a mistake that happened months or years ago, it’s time to let it go and stop reliving it—because there is no way for you to change it. The past is the past and it you will never have a chance to go back and change anything. And sitting here thinking about your past over and over isn’t going to do anything other than waste your time, and it’s time to accept that. You won’t be able to begin the process of moving forward until you accept this small fact. So take a deep breath, and know that there is no going back.
Try To See The Silver Lining
Once you have accepted that there is no way for you to go back, it’s time to take the first step for moving forward, and that is to try and see the silver lining in whatever mistake it is that you made. For example, if you quit a job that you thought you hated, but it has been so difficult to find another job that you are now regretting it, remember that you have the ability to take any job that you want. And if there is something you’ve always wanted to do—like move to another city, go on a lengthy vacation, or even start your own business—now you have the time to do so, all because you accidentally quit your job out of anger.
Remember Change Is Always Good
Usually, when you are constantly reliving your mistakes, this is because something you did in the past caused a change in your life. And although this may have been rough at first, you need to remember that while uncomfortable, change is always good. If nothing ever changed you would never grow to become the person that you weren’t meant to be, nor would you be capable of accomplishing great things. So take a deep breath and embrace the change that your mistake caused in your life, something good is coming!
Learn From Your Mistakes
One of the reasons you may find it hard to move on and let go of the past is because you are afraid you will make the same mistake again in the future. And while this is a real concern, this is the great thing about mistakes. The fact that you still remember it, and relive your mistake, ensures that you won’t make the same mistake again. If you are really worried about forgetting how a mistake affected you, it can help to keep a journal in which you work through your emotions, and your mistakes on paper on a daily basis.
The process of learning to let go of your mistakes and move forward is never an easy one. First you have to learn that you can’t change the past. Then you need to try to see the silver lining of your situation, accept change, and know that you have learned from your mistakes. Only then will you finally begin to overcome them, and move forward, from constantly reliving a mistake that you regret in your past. And once you move on, you will feel much better, and more content, with your life.
