’Fess up Taking Responsibility for your Actions

Everyone makes mistakes. You wouldn't be human if you didn't. The fear of making mistakes can prevent you from trying anything new or take some risks with new opportunities.

Examine these comments made by many students about their fears. Do they have a familiar ring? 1. 'I'm not doing the oral because someone will laugh at me.'

2. 'I know I'll make a mistake or forget my lines, so I think I'll stay home sick today and then I don't have to face that oral.'

3. 'I won't answer any questions in class. I might make a mistake.'

4. 'I didn't finish my essay (or exam) in time because I spent too long on the first part because I wanted it to be perfect.'

5. 'The teacher gave me the notices to distribute to the class and I forgot. I don't dare tell her.'

6. I did so badly on that Maths exam. It's the teacher's fault. I'm just not cut out for maths.'

7. 'We did a really hard Science experiment today. I'm not sure how to write it up. I can't ask Mr. Green. He'll think I'm hopeless.'

8. 'Mrs Jones kept the PE class back because someone damaged one of the hockey nets. It was my fault; I accidentally ripped it when we were packing up the equipment. Now I'm afraid to tell her 'cause I will probably get a detention.'

These statements demonstrate that mistakes can lead to two types of fear: Fear of making a mistake and looking like a fool. Fear of the consequences of making a mistake. Without a doubt, these are scary situations, but in both cases, it is worth confronting these fears and turning them into positives. Here's why.

Fact: You learn a lot from mistakes. If you accept this truth, then approach each new experience with the view that the mistakes are not failures, but steps of a learning journey. Even the most successful people have failed along the way. Thomas Edison, after inventing the electric light globe following two thousand failed attempts, quipped "I failed my way to success".

Fact: It takes courage to admit you are wrong. Courage is the quality of heroes. Most people admire those who are courageous enough to 'fess up' when they've done something wrong.

Fact: If we keep avoiding something because we are scared of failure, the problem becomes worse. Think of that oral. Pretending to be sick or putting it off with some feeble excuse is only delaying the inevitable. Most students are expected to do some oral presentations each. If you make mistakes for an oral in Year 7 for example, using the feedback you got from your teacher and peers, you can work on those areas so you handle those aspects better the following year. Remember, mistakes are simply learning steps.

Fact: Making excuses or blaming others for a mistake or poor result achieves nothing. It is better to take responsibility for our mistakes. Could it be that bad result for that Maths exam had something to do with inadequate preparation? What strategies can you use to improve and avoid making the same mistakes? Fill in the SWOT Analysis chart provided.

A SWOT analysis is an extremely useful tool for understanding all sorts of situations and it can help you to make responsible decisions. SWOT is an acronym for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats. The follow-up to this workshop will require you to fill out a chart. Strengths are pluses (your good habits). Weaknesses are minuses (your bad habits). Opportunities are the goals you can achieve. Threats are the obstacles that get in the way. What is a SWOT Analysis

Pluses Minuses GoalsObstacles

In the ‘Summary’ section you can complete your ‘Reflection’: What did you learn about yourself? What have you done well during this workshop? How can you improve your chances and improve?