Don’t Be Sorry, Be Better

This was a quote that showed up over and over again in John Gwynne’s fantasy Bloodsworn series that features a fictional world full of viking warrior bands and angry Norse gods & creatures. Life in this world is short, brutal, violent and unforgiving of any mistakes. So whenever one of the characters screws up, their compatriots would say: “Don’t be Sorry, Be Better.”

Thankfully in our normal everyday life right now, there are not many situations that are literally life and death except for maybe in the military or in a warzone. But our monkey cave person brains still act like everything is. 

For the type A individual like myself, I mentally beat myself up whenever I screw something up. Even when it’s a stupid and small trite thing. To get past this, I remind myself that every mistake is a learning & is a way for me to get smarter. In fact, if I am not making mistakes, I am probably taking the easy, comfortable route. Or not pushing myself to what I am capable of. There are big differences between honest mistakes and truly stupid avoidable mistakes.  Don’t be Sorry, Be Better.”

Or when I screw up something with the various social interactions in work, business or home life. I say “Sorry” but then keep on making the same mistake or doing the same stupid thing that irritates or annoys or hurts someone’s feelings. “Sorry” actually becomes a platitude. An excuse to move on without confronting or fixing it. Now I remind myself: “Don’t be Sorry, Be Better.” And actively work on not doing it again. 

I found this to be a very helpful mantra and reminder. One that has already helped improve my life recently. Hope it helps you as well.