Man is sinful by nature. He is meant to err. He is not perfect and even if he decides not to make any mistakes he ends up doing so. But many a times it just so happens that he ends up making mistakes in his life, which is normal, until or unless he denies doing so in the first place. Making mistakes is normal; it is a part of us. One can be clumsy at times and ends up making irrational decisions. The major problem in this picture is the fact that one does not own his mistakes which ends up being even more troublesome.
As Pat Paulsen admitted:
“I admit I do have some drawbacks and limitations as a candidate. Although I am a professional comedian, some of my critics maintain that this is not enough. I cannot deny that I stand before you untested and inexperienced - I only spent two years in television, never as a romantic lead or a song and dance man.”
Have Enough Guts to admit Mistakes:
If one denies doing wrong, he's not even truth to himself. Every time he would be approached he would deny everything and claim to do nothing wrong at all because he thinks his actions are driven by his guts and can never be wrong. Such people are highly disregarded in society as such acts are considered irresponsible and childish. It is morality that drives one towards the right. One should not try to escape his mistakes because even if he does try to do so, his mistakes and his utter denial to take responsibility would just end up haunting him for the rest of his life.
What gets in the Way?
But there is truly a problem when it comes to admitting mistakes. One might lose his job or even his scholarship; he might get scolded and arrested. The thought of such negative emotions prevents them from making up for their mistakes. They become cowards, with the fear that society might end up rejecting them. He fails to see the troubles caused by his mistakes. It brings about uneasiness and doubt. The other person begins to suspect the ‘criminal’ of not being an honest man. It never ends up well.
Like Tom Hanks said:
“I do not want to admit to the world that I can be a bad person. It is just that I don't want anyone to have false expectations. Moviemaking is a harsh, volatile business, and unless you can be ruthless, too, there's a good chance that you are going to disappear off the scene pretty quickly.”
Arrogance is not the Answer:
But on the other hand we consider a person, who had held their head high and had honestly admitted making the mistake, they would be regarded as being honest, they might end up sacrificing something, but their efforts never go wasted in the first place. The still walk the streets with their head held high. Since they are able to admit their own mistakes, they get selected for other opportunities as the person becomes responsible in the eyes of his peers.
As David Whyte pointed out:
“To admit regret is to understand that we are fallible - that there are powers beyond us. To admit regret is to lose control not only of a difficult past but of the very story we tell about our present. To admit sincere and abiding regret is one of our greatest but unspoken contemporary sins.”
Final Point:
In the end, one must not try to hide his mistakes, but by being rational and responsible one should be confident in admitting his mistakes otherwise this can become permanent TOXIC trait in his personality. One must not lose hope, but instead be hopeful that he would be able to receive new opportunities. And also by admitting his mistakes and not having to carry the burden of lying and deception in his heart anymore, he becomes relaxed and convinced that whatsoever he intended to be.
As Dale Turner wisely said:
“It is the highest form of self-respect to admit our errors and mistakes and make amends for them. To make a mistake is only an error in judgment, but to adhere to it when it is discovered shows infirmity of character.”