My quote for this week’s thought of the week is:
“One bad decision doesn’t have to define you, its never too late to turn it all around.”
I chose this quote because it really speaks to me. I am one of those people where if something doesn’t work out perfectly, then I class it as failed and move on.
So, for example, if I decided to cut out all dairy from my diet (this is an example, not a recommendation) and a week in I caved and ate a piece of cheese, I would class that as failed and eat dairy again.
I am trying to accept that one little slip up, one little backslide, is only that, nothing more. It is perfectly acceptable to have that moment of weakness and then resume where you left off.
Making one bad decision is only a weakness if you allow it to become a pattern, or to make you give up on something. Making the decision to carry on and move on from the bad decision is not weak. Nor is it condoning the moment’s weakness.
It is accepting that we are all human and all do stupid things sometimes, but the strong and the successful bounce back, they don’t quit.
I am definitely going to try and think of this quote next time I make a bad decision in a weak moment. I will put it down to experience, dust myself off and get back on the right path.
After all, if every bad decision meant I didn’t try anything again, then I wouldn’t get anywhere with anything. Bad decisions are a learning curve.
To continue on the dairy example, rather than go back to eating dairy, my new response would be to put it down to experience and carry on.
If I was tempted again, I would remember how bad I felt in the moment after the lapse and use that memory to prevent meΒ from making the bad decision again.
Am I alone in this or does one bad decision sometimes make you give up on something? Let me know in the comments π
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Catie: An imperfect Mum
Oh yes I definitely recognise this. I know I am my own worst critic. I agree though it is never too late to turn things around and will keep this in mind next time I’m berating myself.
Debbie, My Random Musings
I’m exactly the same – if someone else makes a mistake, I tell them it’s fine, don’t give up etc and I mean it. I guess we both have to learn to cut ourselves the same amount of slack!
Michelle
This is a great quote because it speaks to me too! I have been stressing about money lately and some of the bad decisions that I’ve made with money that have affected my credit score in a very negative way. I am working with someone on this but today, I am particularly stressing about it because I need to new car but still owe on my car that finally bit the dust.My credit score might prevent me from getting a new (used) car and I’m kicking myself for past bad money decisions that are affecting me in the present. Still, like Becky from Cuddly Fairy suggests in her quote, I am trying to stay positive. I love your quote too because it helps to put things into perspective so thanks for that:-) #candidcuddles
Debbie, My Random Musings
I’m sorry to hear that Michelle. Do try to stay positive and I’m glad my quote helped you π Good luck with it all, it will all work out in the end
Mackenzie Glanville
Great quote and so true, mistakes are how we learn what really matters to us, what our true values and beliefs are about who we are. #candidcuddles
Debbie, My Random Musings
Thank you π That’s a really good point – if we never made mistakes, how would we know when we got it right!
Angela at Daysinbed
It’s such a good quote Debbie and is true that rhese small slip ups don’t define who we are..there is much more to you than a small piece of cheese. π It’s sad how some people I know allow little things to make them miserable and they cannot be happy and enjoy life because of it. Angela from Daysinbed
Debbie, My Random Musings
Thanks Angela π When you put it like that, it really is silly getting upset over a little piece of cheese!
Katie (Growing Up KaterTot)
I could not agree more!! I used to be very hard and critical of myself, and there have been times when I have allowed my regret of a poor decision to negatively affect other areas of my life. Over the past few years, I’ve learned that bad decisions are lessons learned– just like you said. Oh… and why would you ever quit dairy?!? Life without cheese and ice cream isn’t worth living!! LOL! π #CandidCuddles
Debbie, My Random Musings
Yes, I have held onto bad decisions for far too long and I ready to let go and just accept that yes, it was a bad decision, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be saved! I know, that was a terrible example lol π
Becky, Cuddle Fairy
I love this quote & it is so true! In that “ah -ha this is a disaster” moment, it’s hard to see it this way. But everything in life counts as an experience & lesson learned. Either something to be repeated or avoided the next time. Great quote & advice this week Debbie x
Debbie, My Random Musings
Thank you π I totally agree, it can be months after when you realise it wasn’t as big a deal as you thought at the time. x
Sarah Howe (@RunJumpScrap)
I think sometimes you can make an error or lapse and really want to quit but gosh no doesn’t make you a failure. Half the patients I see would be stuffed! Brush yourself off and carry on for sure!! xx #happydays
Katy
Great quote and so true. I have made some bad decisions over the years but they make up my history – not my future. Thank you for joining in #HappyDaysLinky x
Debbie, My Random Musings
Thank you π “They make up my history – not my future” I love that! Thanks for hosting π x
Sian QuiteFranklySheSaid
You’re definitely not alone in thinking like this, I am the same, I am far too hard on myself! Thanks for linking up to #HappyDaysLinky x
Debbie, My Random Musings
It’s strange how I can forgive others things so much easier than I can forgive myself! Thanks for hosting π x