If you were convinced that you could never make a mistake, what would you do? I’ve asked that question to dozens of people and they responded with descriptions of risk taking in business, relationships, adventure, and finances. It’s the fear of making a mistake that keeps people from taking these kinds of risks. Their goal is to avoid failure and disappointment.

It’s my belief that there are no mistakes.  There are only learning experiences.

Singer and songwriter, Dale Turner said;” Some of the best lessons we ever learn are learned from past mistakes. The error of the past is the wisdom and success of the future.” When you feel that you’ve made a mistake, remember that there is something that you can learn from the experience to help you in the future.

 recently made a trip to St. Petersburg, Russia, and was amazed to learn the history of the city from people that I met. In the past 200 years, they have been through dramatic political and economic upheavals that have allowed them different levels of freedom with each change. They have had their city bombed during wars and have rebuilt buildings and their infrastructure into something that they feel is valuable in telling their historical story. Everyone that I met seemed to have a hopeful outlook for their future and demonstrated a sense of responsibility to use their skills and talents in a constructive way.

As I got deeper into some conversations, I discovered that the people that I met felt that they had something to contribute to their community and it was their responsibility to figure that out. Whether they were a tour guide who spoke multiple languages, or a grounds keeper at a public park, they said that they felt that it was necessary to give their best when doing their jobs and supporting their coworkers so that they, their family, their community, and their country benefited from their efforts.