I Made a Mistake. Now What?

A mistake becomes more useful when you do something with it.

1. Own What Happened

Start with the truth. Avoid blaming, hiding, exaggerating, or pretending it did not happen.

“I did ________. The result was ________.”

2. Figure Out What Needs Repair

• Do I need to correct the work?
• Do I need to apologize?
• Do I need to replace, clean up, or fix something?
• Do I need to tell an adult what happened?
• Do I need to make a different choice next time?

3. Make the Repair

A real repair is more than “sorry” when action is needed. Do what you can to make the situation better.

4. Learn Something

Ask: What was the decision point? What could I notice sooner next time?

Try It

You said something in a group that embarrassed another student. What would owning it, repairing it, and learning from it look like?

💡 Funky Tip

Do not turn one mistake into your identity. “I made a bad choice” gives you somewhere to go. “I am bad” does not.

I matter.

Because you matter, your choices matter too—and you are capable of making a repair.

🎒 Take It With You

Own it → Repair it → Learn from it → Move forward.