“Only those who are asleep make no mistakes.”  ~ Iaguar Kamprad

Take a moment to reflect and ask yourself how many joyful, happy people do you know? Whatever your answer, the number should be higher. This period in mankind’s history is unique; there’s never been a higher standard of living available for the average Joe, nor more opportunities for lifestyle improvement. 

One of the culprits that robs joy, gratitude, and success from you is guilt. In my experience, churches can ladle it on, advertisers constantly tell us we should have more or be more, and finally, we pile it on ourselves. We feel guilty because we are not thin enough, we make too much money, not enough money, and the list goes on. While guilt can be a valuable tool to improve, that’s all it is – a tool to change your life.

Mindlessly beating yourself up because you failed to achieve a goal, or striving to be  perfect just leaves a person exhausted and unhappy. Recognize the human condition for what it is – a confusing minefield of options that nobody gets through without missteps. There will be errors in judgment, ethical lapses, hurtful words, and a host of other failures. 

The feeling of guilt should come into play only to serve you. It’s simply there as a warning light that you have violated one of your core principles. Listen to it, learn from it, then move on. I’ve known people that torture themselves for mistakes made decades ago. Unfortunately, it’s replayed in an endless loop and does not serve us. In fact, it weakens us, prevents us from evolving, and in general, robs us of any shot at happiness. 

Take some time to reflect. Is this you? Is guilt in some way affecting your relationships? Are you able to forgive yourself, or are you caught in the endless loop?

“Our greatest foes, and whom we must chiefly combat, are within.” 

 ~ Cervantes