Contradictions that can co-exist

Contradictions are typical, and they can co-exist. Have you ever wondered how many contradictory thoughts you have in a day? How many times do your thoughts contradict your actions? How often do your feelings oppose your principles and beliefs?

By Emile Fakhoury
We can start the morning in a good mood and then start feeling disappointed in a few moments. We often don’t see our own contradictions; it’s often easier to observe such inconsistencies in others. Humans are structurally made of contradictions, living peacefully, sometimes painfully, with our oxymoronic selves.

Leaders should know how to benefit from accepting such complexities.

Growth stems from mistakes

Making mistakes can lead to more clarity, allow you to get creative, and help you form a growth mindset. Albert Einstein said, “Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.”

I’ve learned a lot from my mistakes, which have shaped my career growth and success. Taking calculated risks could lead to mistakes, which, in some cases, embed the lesson learned in our personalities.

Making mistakes is an inevitable part of the human experience. Rather than fearing and avoiding errors, we should embrace them as opportunities for growth and self-improvement. By adopting a growth mindset, learning from our experiences, and cultivating resilience, we can harness the power of mistakes and unlock our full potential.

The road to success is not a straight line but a winding journey filled with twists, turns, and mistakes. Embrace them, learn from them, and watch yourself grow.

Confidence and anxiety can coexist.

In our journey toward personal and professional growth, it's essential to recognise that anxiety and confidence are not mutually exclusive. It is all about maintaining a balance to ensure our success.

Embrace anxiety as a guide and use it to fuel your preparation and self-awareness. As you navigate life's challenges, remember that confidence is not a destination but a byproduct of your experiences. These two forces can propel you toward success and personal fulfilment.

Confidence and Anxiety are natural parts of our professional journey. By learning to balance them and using the tips below, we can navigate challenges with resilience and achieve success in our careers.

-Preparation: When prepared, we can turn anxiety into a source of strength.

-Mindfulness: Simple mindfulness techniques can help manage anxiety and maintain focus.

-Imperfection: Understand that mistakes are learning opportunities, not failures.

Self-accountability complements self-forgiveness

Balancing the Equation: To strike the right balance between accountability and self-forgiveness, we must view them as complementary rather than conflicting.

The first step to balance self-forgiveness and accountability is to define your core values and align your actions with them. By clarifying your values, you can set realistic and meaningful goals, evaluate your progress, and acknowledge your strengths and weaknesses.

The second step is to accept your imperfections and take responsibility for your actions. No one is perfect, and everyone makes mistakes. Self-compassion is treating yourself like a friend who is suffering or struggling. Taking responsibility means acknowledging what you did or didn't do, how it affected others, and what you can do to make amends or prevent recurrence.

The third step is to seek forgiveness from those you have harmed or offended. Seeking forgiveness means expressing your regret, explaining your reasons, and asking for their understanding.

The final step is to practice gratitude for the opportunities and challenges you encounter in your professional journey. Practicing gratitude also means expressing your thanks, acknowledging your sources of support, and giving back to others.

Contradictions can coexist and be managed to your benefit and success. It is normal to live peacefully with our contradictions and embrace these dualities.

Embracing this paradox can help us appreciate life's benefits while accepting its challenges.