One of the most vivid memories of social humiliation dates back 13 years—half my life ago. In a high school history class, the teacher asked us what we thought was the meaning of life. I thought I had a brilliant answer, but when I started speaking, the words got tangled. The pressure of 28 pairs of classmate-eyes on me was overwhelming. I stammered, repeated myself, and eventually stopped, leaving the teacher to move on.

For years, I held onto this moment, convinced that everyone thought I was odd. It took a long time to realize that I was the only one keeping this memory alive.

No One Remembers Your Mistakes

While reading Someday is Today by Matthew Dicks I came across a lesson that resonated with me: people don’t remember your mistakes. Dicks learned this as a wedding DJ, where he and his friend messed up everything that could be messed up. Years later, while meeting a cousin of the bride, he learned that even the bride herself did not recall anything going wrong that day.

Even my closest friends, the people who notice most of what I do, could not recall the awkward humiliation I had carried around for years. It was me who remembered, and recounted, the story. I vividly remember what I felt that day, but it no longer stings the same way, thanks to this realization.

Learn From Mistakes, Then Move On.

Mistakes are invaluable datapoints for personal growth. They might be awkward or uncomfortable, but that’s all they are—nothing more, nothing less. Learn the lesson, grow from it, and move forward.

Most importantly, don’t let fear of mistakes hold you back from trying new things. Matthew Dicks advises making terrible things often; fear of failure only hinders progress and discovery.

We all have moments we’d rather forget. You’re not alone! Drop a comment and let’s keep growing together. Don’t forget to like if you enjoyed the read! ☺