When is the last time you bit your tongue? Or stubbed your toe?

These are minor mistakes within everyday practices. You eat and walk so much that these are somewhat inevitable. They come with the territory. They’re good.

When was your last car accident? Was it your fault? Be honest.

This is a dangerous mistake born of inattention to an important process. This isn’t good.

When was the last time you took on a task that was beyond your ability? You lacked the skill but had the enthusiasm. Or you stepped up because someone had to do it. Then you bombed. You made a big mistake. Maybe you had a huge public failure.

This is good. No. In fact, it’s great. It means you are giving yourself the chance to learn and grow and achieve something spectacular.

When we avoid the possibility of big mistakes we accept stasis. We accept that this is just how our world will be from now on. We’ve opted for predictability and comfort and accepted routine and boredom in the package.

When we try to avoid even the little mistakes it is as though we curl up in a fetal position and shut out the world. Fear is our guide.

Mistakes are good.

Mistakes are fantastic.

Mistakes let us know we are still alive. And trying. And thriving.