Stepping Up to Face Your Mistakes: The Power of Admitting When You’re Wrong

Admitting when you’re wrong is one of the hardest things we can do. Our emotions often get tangled up in what we believe to be true in the moment, but that “truth” is sometimes colored by our past experiences and the stories we’ve created to protect ourselves when we feel uneasy or threatened.

Being able to take a step back and recognize when we’re acting out of alignment with who we know we truly are is one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves. It opens the door to self-compassion and allows us to dig deep and figure out the root cause of our reactions. Unfortunately, many of us aren’t always willing to confront what we’ve been burying for years.

The Courage to Look Within

Through deep introspection, we can trace the source of our behaviors, often back to childhood. Our reactions are shaped by early experiences, and we develop certain ways of protecting ourselves. But to truly heal and grow, we need to soften in those moments of discomfort. As one of my spiritual advisors once told me, we must get underneath the emotions—beneath the fear and the protective layers—to uncover the truth.

This isn’t easy work. But the first step is to remain compassionate, open, and curious about your own behavior. By staying in a state of self-inquiry, you create the space to reflect on why you may have responded in a way you’re not proud of.

Forgiving Yourself and Taking Responsibility

When you can see where you’ve created stories or false scenarios, it becomes easier to forgive yourself. From there, you can genuinely apologize for any actions or words that don’t align with your values. Whether or not the other person accepts your apology, this process shows character. It’s a reflection of your growth and the person you are becoming.

Not everyone will be ready to hear your apology, and that’s okay. Sometimes, we’ve gone too far, and it’s not about the other person’s response, but rather about your ability to own your mistakes and learn from them. Admitting when you’re wrong helps you reorganize the energy within yourself, giving you the strength to make a different choice the next time.

The Power of Pausing and Listening to Your Body

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned from my spiritual teachers is to pay attention to what’s happening in my body when difficult emotions arise. For me, it feels like a tightness in my chest, sweaty palms, and a racing heart—all signals that my body is in a fight-or-flight response, fueled by fear and old patterns of self-protection.

When I notice these sensations, I practice pausing and breathing. This doesn’t always come easily or perfectly, but it helps me to break the cycle. When I do fall out of alignment, what helps me most is admitting it to myself. Acknowledging my misstep puts me in a vulnerable place, but isn’t true healing about stepping into that vulnerability?

Embracing Vulnerability and Growth

Admitting you’re wrong takes courage. It requires you to be vulnerable and to let go of pride or ego. But in that vulnerability, there’s strength. There’s an opportunity to shift your behavior and move forward with greater awareness and compassion.

I admire everyone who is brave enough to look at themselves and strive for change. You are all connecting to that higher version of who you are, creating tools to help guide you toward your highest potential. We are all worthy of making mistakes, and we are all capable of learning from them.

The next time you find yourself not proud of how you’ve acted, try this: Be vulnerable. Admit your mistake. Apologize sincerely, and express gratitude for the lesson it’s teaching you. This process will help you make a better choice next time.

We Are All Works in Progress

Remember, we’re all doing the best we can. But we must also recognize when we’re repeating the same mistakes over and over again. I’ve been working on my reactions for years, and I still find myself struggling at times. My intention is always to be kind and grateful, but old fears and feelings of unsafety sometimes take over. When I respond in ways I regret, admitting I was wrong helps me reset and move forward.

So, when you’re not proud of your actions, take a breath. Be vulnerable. Own up to your mistakes with compassion for yourself. Doing so will empower you to make better choices and move closer to the person you’re striving to become.

I see you. I validate your journey. And I hold space for you in your healing.

With love and light,
Jess