Humor and resilience go hand in hand. If you can laugh at your mistakes, and take things as they come, you’ll be much happier for it!
When we’re kids, we think the world is run by these perfect grownups. But then we get older, and we learn the truth: There are no grownups. There’s just us. And we all make mistakes. All. The. Time.
When we make the inevitable mistake, we can learn from them and then laugh at them. Laughing at the mistake can take the pressure off yourself and everyone around you. The other people see you as human, just as they are.
A bit of self-ridicule is healthy if you are confident enough to really take it as a joke. Laugh at the situation, but do not put yourself down. Do not call yourself stupid for making that mistake. It makes the situation awkward for those listening.
What to do when you make a mistake in front of others:
- Acknowledge the mistake. There’s no hiding it now. Everyone saw!
- Correct the mistake. If it’s necessary, make whatever correction you need to get things back on track.
- Make a joke. Make fun of yourself. Get everyone laughing and they won’t care anymore.
- Move on! And don’t bring up your mistake again (until you’re totally in the clear).