The well-known cliche, "we learn from our mistakes," contains some truth. But do we put in all our effort possible to learn and 'take' from the experience new insight and understanding?
Making mistakes are a part of life. However, there are things we can be more conscious of to help lessen the potential for error.
Be informed. Knowledge narrows the perimeters for misunderstanding and poor reasoning. When the eagerness to absorb knowledge wanes pockets of insufficiency and inadequacies can lead to costly mistakes. What follows in this instance is the common refrain: "I just didn't know."
Be attentive. Being careless with our attention or our inability to focus on what is important can often lead to blunders of inconsideration. Hurt feelings can result. If we don't choose to truly listen to others, mistakes, even though unintentional, may creep into our relationships and even damage them.
Be aware. More specifically, be self-aware. There are many people who won't or cannot acknowledge that they have made a mistake. As Ludwig Van Beethoven noted, "Nothing is more intolerable than to have to admit to yourself your own errors." Too much pride often allows denial to block any accountability. We must first admit we are not perfect, and at times understand that we are directly responsible for mistakes. If we can't admit to ourselves or forgive ourselves for a terrible mistake in judgment or calculation, then how are we going to forgive others?
When it comes to mistakes, perhaps, when all is said and done (in error), it's not the number of different mistakes we make, but the number of times we make the SAME mistake.
Most importantly, with contrition, say you are sorry...that's when you can truly change and learn.