Careless mistakes are mistakes that after being made will usually be followed by the realization that if we paid more attention to responsibility, the mistake would not have happened. One of the first steps to stopping making mistakes is acknowledging that you did, so if you're reading this page, you've already taken that first step. It's important to remember that everyone makes mistakes, but there are ways to improve if you make a lot of careless mistakes. The trick is to understand your mistakes, make arrangements, improve your time management, and stay positive, relaxed, and sensitive.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Understanding the Error
Step 1. Realize that making mistakes is normal
So you've made a mistake? Do not panic. We are all humans who are not free from mistakes.
- Recent psychological studies show that there are two brain responses after you make a mistake. The first response said, “Pay attention!” and it sounds like a warning bell that makes you think, “What happened and why?” The second response seems to be that the brain shuts down, perceives the negative warning you are giving yourself as a threat, and then doesn't want to think about it anymore.
- Study participants who responded in the first way were more likely to learn from mistakes and change behavior.
- Participants who responded in the second way, who were either completely silent or panicked, tended to repeat the same type of error over and over again.
Step 2. Record the mistakes you make each week
Was the mistake made at work or school? Or, was the mistake made at home? Do you make mistakes while driving or while taking care of something? Have you failed to meet job deadlines? Did you forget to pay the bill or feed the pet? Leave the keys in the car? Running out of gas?
- The right first step is to admit your mistake and understand the type of mistake you made.
- You can find out how to avoid the same mistakes by tracking the pattern of the mistakes made.
Step 3. Know what made you make a careless mistake
Ask yourself why you make certain types of mistakes. Are you in a hurry because you are used to procrastinating? Are you stressed and thinking about something else?
Next to each mistake you write down, include how you could have avoided it. For example: devoting more time to doing this, starting early, staying focused on what I'm doing, etc
Step 4. Talk about your mistakes to others
Careless mistakes can be made by anyone, and some people you know may have ideas for tackling the habits that caused the mistakes to occur.
- Try talking to a trusted friend about what you did wrong. If your friend has a lot in common with you, chances are she has made the same mistake.
- If you make a mistake at work, talk to a more experienced co-worker you are compatible with, try to discuss how to avoid the mistake with him or her so you can gain insight.
Method 2 of 4: Making Settings
Step 1. Use a calendar
And, use only one. Buy a calendar if you don't have one. If you have one, make sure you use it. There are many types of calendars, namely calendars or to-dos on your smartphone or computer, or paper versions of desk calendars.
- Careless mistakes often happen because you forgot something to do. Writing or typing upcoming commitments, appointments, and deadlines on the calendar can be very helpful.
- Color coding the calendar can also help, for example, red for work, blue for children, green for hobbies, etc. Take a look at next week's plans and note what you need to do to prepare for the upcoming event.
Step 2. Clean your environment
If your environment is clean and organized, you will be amazed to notice that your mind is calmer and you can concentrate more.
- Get things done at home, constantly. Don't leave the room empty-handed if something doesn't fit.
- Make a “donation box” for items you no longer need and want to donate.
- Create an organized filing system in the office.
Step 3. Use checklists and to-do lists
Buy a notebook and start jotting down whatever you have to do. For example, fixing the house, going shopping, and all the thoughts you need to get out of your mind, jot them down on paper, then tick them off when you've finished.
What you note here are not tasks with specific dates and times that should be recorded on a calendar, but general things that you have to work on at some point in the future
Method 3 of 4: Improving Time Management
Step 1. Set priorities
Make a list of the most important things in your life, in order. Then, when you're ready to do something, decide how "important" it is. It would be a good idea to reassess the importance of the action to you or whether you could use your time more wisely doing something else.
If you've made a checklist or to-do list, listing those responsibilities in order of importance can also help you figure out what to do first, second, third, etc
Step 2. Simplify your schedule
If you continue to have trouble managing your responsibilities without making careless mistakes, it may be because you're trying to overwork. The amount of time in a day is limited. How many hobbies do you have and how much time do you spend on them?
- Taking time to relax and enjoy life is very important, but is your schedule so filled with “fun” commitments that you feel like you don't have time?
- Review the priority list again and make sure you devote enough time to really focusing on the top priority on the list.
Step 3. Ask for help
This is also known as delegating responsibility. Make sure everyone in the house does the work and has a contribution in the smooth running of the household. If a work project is too big for you to complete on your own, enlist the help of others as much as they can.
Method 4 of 4: Maintain a Positive, Relaxed and Sensitive Attitude
Step 1. Adhere to a regular bed and meal routine
Lack of sleep and/or nutrition will quickly make people forget and lead to feelings of stress and exhaustion, which can easily lead to careless mistakes.
- Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, eat healthy foods regularly at the same times every day.
- Make time for exercise, for example several times a week for at least 20 minutes. A healthy body is home to a healthy mind.
Step 2. Soak up the moment
Sensitivity is another way of saying that you are paying attention and are aware of whatever you are doing, all the time. This can help you start a new way of thinking and a new approach to decision making.
Usually, it's the little things in life that we make mistakes, things we think we don't need to pay much attention to and we think we already know. Therefore, sensitivity will help
Step 3. Filter out unimportant information
When looking for ways to pay more attention to the important things in life, ask yourself if your mind is filled with unimportant things, such as gossip, social media, etc.
Ask yourself, “What does this really mean to me? How did it affect my life?” If you can't answer it quickly, it's probably not important, just extra information that might add to your stress level
Step 4. Take some quality relaxation time for yourself
Be aware of everything you do, even if it's just watching a movie or TV, eating a snack, or calling a friend.
- For example, you might ask yourself this question while watching TV, “Did I sacrifice something to watch this movie? Should I do something else? What consequences will / will not happen if I watch this film? Is this important, or can something else wait?”
- Relaxation is very important, but sometimes it's hard to really relax if there's something else we think we should be doing at the time.
Step 5. Tell yourself that next time you will be better
Don't let one mistake discourage you. You don't have to be a perfectionist. Don't put your blame on others, or punish yourself. Everyone makes mistakes. What matters is how you handle it. Think about what you can do to solve the problem and don't dwell on it for too long.
Step 6. Seek help from a healthcare professional if you feel stressed, overwhelmed, or depressed
Careless mistakes are commonplace in life, and shouldn't be too stressful for you. However, if you're constantly thinking about or blaming yourself for something wrong, consider seeing a mental health professional. Maybe therapy can help you.
- Perfectionism or the desire to control things can interfere with many aspects of life. Therapy can help you learn to let go of the little things.
- Severe stress can also affect your mental health. Call a counselor or therapist to talk about what's bothering you.
