Mistakes aren’t flaws in the work. Not everything needs to be perfect to be meaningful
A few days ago, I noticed a typo in one of Isladona’s Instagram posts. A small error. Easy to miss. Easy to fix. And, in the grand scheme of things, insignificant. Yet moments like these tend to linger more than they should. I thought about deleting the post, even after I got engagement on it and many followers saw it already. However, I decided to keep it up after all, and was inspired to write this blog post.
There is an instinct to overthink, to feel embarrassed, to believe that a mistake somehow undermines the care and intention behind the work. But in reality, it doesn’t. It simply reminds us of something unavoidable: mistakes are part of creating, of showing up, of doing anything consistently.
What matters is not the mistake itself, but the response.
In a culture that quietly demands perfection, even minor errors can feel heavier than they are. We are taught to apologize quickly, to explain ourselves, to soften our presence as if imperfection requires justification. But most mistakes aren’t a lack of discipline or character, they’re just part of being human.
I. Grace begins with perspective
A mistake does not erase effort. It does not cancel credibility. It does not diminish intention. It asks only for awareness and correction, nothing more.
II. Self-respect shows in what you do next
Correct what needs to be corrected. Take note of what can be improved. Then continue forward. Not defensively. Not dramatically. And not with self-criticism disguised as humility. Just calmly.
There is a quiet confidence in knowing when something deserves attention and when it does not deserve more energy than necessary. Over-explaining often comes from discomfort, not responsibility. Composure comes from trusting yourself enough to move on.
III. Not everything has to be perfect
Perfection is fragile. It leaves no room for growth, learning, or refinement. Mistakes can be useful. They slow us down just enough to refine our process, to sharpen our awareness, to improve ourselves. Growth comes from the moments of learning and the desire to change.
There is elegance in recovery. In choosing not to dramatize. In choosing not to dwell. In allowing a moment to pass without attaching your identity to it.
Progress is not about never getting things wrong. It is about responding with clarity, restraint, and self-respect.
Make the correction. Learn the lesson. And move on.
