The world has taught us to make ourselves (and others) wrong. All the time.

We’re wrong for how we act. Wrong for what we failed to do. Wrong for being frustrating, annoying, lazy. For being human.

The result of all this wrong-making is that we often feel frustrated with others, and bad about ourselves. It’s a discouraging habit, which results in us making less progress, learning less (because we’ve already concluded we’re wrong).

We often think we have to make ourselves wrong in order to improve … but the opposite is true — making ourselves wrong actually slows down or stops improvement. We get stopped by it.

Another way is to never make ourselves (or others) wrong. At least, not wrong in the sense that we should feel bad about it. Instead, learn from mistakes, strive to make progress, adjust and make amends.

You can start by noticing how often you make yourself wrong. And when you catch yourself doing it, notice what effect it has on you. And see if you can choose something else: curiosity, compassion, a learning mindset.