Tiger Woods is back in the winner’s circle. Never has his future-focused approach been more important: “People want to compare my performance to the past, and I’m trying to get better in the future, not the past.”
Listen to this YouTube video or read on below...
There is value in self-criticism, but don’t get stuck there. Instead of using general labels like stupid or rude, use specific feedback. What did you do that you did not handle well? Remember, it's easier to admit you made a mistake than to admit you are one.
After identifying a specific mistake, focus on the future by asking two important questions: First, what can you do to rectify the problem?
If any constructive action or apology could help fix the problem, do it. With ongoing relationships, if you didn’t do the right thing at the time, it doesn’t stop you from doing the right thing now. Take responsibility for your mistakes.
Secondly, and most importantly, focus on how you would handle the same situation next time. If constructive self-dialogue is hard to do, try using a valued colleague or friend as a sounding board or write down your thoughts.
Self-confidence doesn’t come from an absence of self-criticism but a realistic balance of learning from our errors and celebrating our victories. Welcome to the challenge of turning your mistakes into steppingstones for success.
What do you think?
(Source: Tiger Woods. in Chuck Culpepper, “Six wins that can’t eclipse a loss,” LA Times, October 2, 2006, D7)
"I always wanted to be somebody, but now I realize I should have been more specific."
--- Lily Tomlin
"Don't be afraid of missing opportunities. Behind every failure is an opportunity somebody wishes they had missed."
--- Lily Tomlin
Posted by: James Bela | March 31, 2009 at 11:26 AM
every challenge in life is an opportuinity in disguise
Posted by: lily igbiks | February 07, 2010 at 04:07 AM