Pubdate: Wed, 06 Feb 2002
Source: Beckley Register-Herald (WV)
Copyright: 2002 The Register-Herald
Contact:  http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?brd86
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1441
Author: Bev Davis

WE SHOULD TURN OUR MISTAKES INTO STEPPING STONES

Several years ago, a major pet food company invested thousands of dollars 
in a new dog food. They sank a bundle of money into new packaging, clever 
slogans and an aggressive advertising campaign. Within six months, the 
company had suffered a whopping loss on its "brand new, improved product."

Why? Because the dogs didn't like it.

Apparently, the corporate hounds hadn't thought of testing the new kibbles 
on prospective consumers.

An anti-drug group thought it had found a clever way to put a powerful 
slogan into the hands of school children. They gave away thousands of 
pencils bearing the words, "Too Cool To Do Drugs."

It didn't take long for the kids to see new messages appearing right before 
their little fingers. A few sharpenings, and the message read, "Cool To Do 
Drugs." A few more whacks in the grinder, and the message became, "Do Drugs."

Mistakes are embarrassing, to say the least. They can also be costly, not 
only in terms of dollars and cents, but in terms of our personal credibility.

Some blunders blight our reputations and cause others to approach us with 
caution.

Others cloud our judgment and threaten our personal integrity.

What we do with a mistake is critical.

Blaming others is often the first response of human nature, but I've found 
that's a poor choice.

Taking ownership of our mistakes and finding a positive way to deal with 
them is the best route.

Getting defensive and passing the buck only makes our character more suspect.

A simple, genuine, "I'm sorry; I was wrong, and I apologize," goes a long 
way in building a bridge with someone we've offended.

Showing ownership and offering explanations of the wrongdoing helps us gain 
more ground with a boss or co-worker than whining and making excuses.

Maintaining a good relationship with a spouse or close friend demands 
ownership of our mistakes and a willingness to forgive one another for 
foibles and flops.

Mistakes are part of the human experience.

It all comes back to the power of choice. We can turn a mistake into a 
stumblingblock or a stepping stone. The worst mistake we can make is to 
stand still and do nothing.

We need to pray for wisdom and for Divine guidance to lead us back to the 
right path.

Believe me, I know. I'm one of the fools who invested in that stupid dog food.
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MAP posted-by: Beth