I have never been good at spelling. There, I said it.
It’s not that I don’t know the rules; it’s just that my brain seems to work at a faster pace than my fingers. I have a form of dyslexia, a term that encompasses a spectrum of unique learning styles rather than mere disabilities. For those who share this journey, the struggle is not in intelligence but in the mechanics of translating intricate, quick-moving thoughts into written words.
When I write, I often transpose letters, and when I look back at what I’ve written, I tend to overlook minor mistakes even after multiple proofreads. My mind plays tricks on me—it reads what it knows I intended to write, not always what’s on the actual page in front of me. To counteract this, I’ve had to make peace with taking a slower pace and methodically evaluating each word on its own to ensure its accuracy. But still, I can miss things.
How different people respond to situations like this illuminates a wider psychological truth: Sometimes people thrive on finding and pointing out others’ mistakes—not for the sake of constructive correction, but as a means to elevate themselves or bolster their own self-esteem. Being on the receiving end of this kind of criticism doesn’t feel great—and it certainly doesn’t encourage my growth in this area. I’ve also noticed that people who approach others’ mistakes in this way tend to not encourage their owngrowth.
That’s because gravitating toward critiquing others’ errors is often a defense mechanism, one that allows someone to avoid confronting their own imperfections by spotlighting someone else’s. This type of behavior rarely leads to personal growth. It’s more about illusion and delusion.
In contrast, when we concentrate on our own growth and development, we exhibit an admirable trait—the relentless pursuit of self-improvement. This mindset revolves around the understanding that mistakes are stepping stones to progress. It centers education over shame, and can transform setbacks into stepping stones.
FIVE WAYS TO CONTINUALLY ORIENT IN FAVOR OF GROWTH
We may all occasionally fall into criticizing others rather than looking closely at opportunities for our own growth. Here are five ways to continually orient in favor of growth:
1. Embrace vulnerability. Acknowledge your own mistakes and be open about them. This sets the tone for a growth-oriented atmosphere and encourages others to do the same.
2. Practice empathy. Before pointing out someone else’s mistakes, consider the impact your words might have. Empathy can transform criticism into constructive feedback.
3. Seek feedback. Instead of waiting for others to uncover your errors, actively seek feedback on your work. Constructive criticism is a pathway to improvement.
4. Focus on solutions. When you encounter a mistake, whether your own or someone else’s, shift the focus from blame to finding solutions. What can be learned from the error? How can it be rectified?
5. Celebrate growth. When you or someone else learns from a mistake and takes a step toward improvement, celebrate it. Encouragement and positivity fuel progress far more than negativity.
In a world where errors are inevitable, it’s vital we approach them with the right mindset; we can either let them define us negatively or use them as catalysts for growth. By choosing the latter, we not only enhance ourselves but also foster an environment that nurtures learning, empathy, and mutual respect. So, let’s embark on this journey of growth, choosing the path that leads us toward enlightenment rather than ego.
Taja Dockendorf is the Founder and CEO of Pulp+Wire, an award-winning, full-service strategy, branding, and marketing agency.