“What is the use of talking of one’s mistakes to the world? They cannot thereby be undone. For what one has done one must suffer; one must try and do better. The world sympathizes only with the strong and the powerful.” — Swami Vivekananda
Making mistakes is inevitable, and so is facing their consequences. But what do statements like “I’m a loser,” “I’m careless,” and “I can do nothing right” do? Do they make things better? Do they make you feel better? Do they get others to rally by your side?
No. On the contrary, you appear weak in front of others. Plus, such self-deprecating words imbibe themselves deeper in your mind and actually weaken you. It’s a self-fulfilling prophecy.
No one admires such a person. (If anything, people keep such a person at two arms’ length.) Those who conduct themselves with dignity, who persevere despite obstacles, and who have the strength to take tough decisions – they are the ones who are admired.
“In this world, fear has no place,” Dr. A.P.J. Kalam said. “Only strength respects strength.”
From today, stop seeking sympathy or berating yourself. Stop ruing over your mistakes and failures. Instead, ask yourself: What can I learn from this? What has to be done next? And get to work. Progress makes you stronger.
Becoming strong begins with using the right words. Because the words you use is the world you see.