We all make mistakes, that’s just a part of being human. But what happens when we continue to make the same mistake over and over again? At some point, that mistake stops being just a mistake and becomes a decision. As the old saying goes, “a mistake repeated more than once is a decision.”
It’s easy to fall into the trap of repeating mistakes. Maybe we don’t learn our lesson the first time, or maybe we think that this time will be different. But the reality is that when we repeat a mistake, we are actively choosing to ignore the consequences and continue down the same path.
Take, for example, a person who repeatedly chooses to stay in a toxic relationship. The first time it happens, it may be seen as a mistake – a misjudgment of character or a failure to recognize the warning signs. But when it happens again, and again, and again, it becomes a decision. This person is choosing to stay in a situation that they know is bad for them, and they are actively ignoring the warning signs.
The same principle applies to all areas of life – from personal relationships to professional endeavors. If we repeatedly make the same mistake in our work, whether it’s missing deadlines or making the same errors in our work, it becomes a decision. We are choosing to prioritize something else over our work, or we are choosing to ignore the importance of doing things correctly.
Of course, the consequences of repeating mistakes can vary. In some cases, it may be a minor inconvenience, but in other cases, it can be catastrophic. For example, if a pilot repeatedly makes the same mistake while flying a plane, it can put the lives of everyone on board in danger. In this case, repeating the mistake is not just a decision, it’s a reckless and potentially deadly one.
So, what can we do to break the cycle of repeating mistakes? The first step is to acknowledge that it’s happening. We need to recognize when we are making the same mistake over and over again and be honest with ourselves about the consequences. From there, we can start to take action to change our behavior. This might mean seeking outside help or guidance, setting boundaries for ourselves, or simply making a conscious effort to break the habit.
In the end, the old saying rings true – a mistake repeated more than once is a decision. But it’s up to us to decide whether we want to continue down the same path or make a change. As the great philosopher Aristotle once said, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” So let’s make the habit of learning from our mistakes and making better decisions.
