I am a professor of psychology. Some time ago, I got halfway through a day of teaching before a co-worker pointed out to me I was quite 1 wearing a different pair of shoes, one red and one black. I felt so 2 and upset but I would have to go to teach my 3 like this. When I noticed how much I wanted to disappear and avoid this 4 , I was determined to face it 5 . I walked into class and 6 to the students that I was wearing two shoes from 7 pairs, and directed their attention to my feet. Everyone laughed and we went on with class. Years later, a 8 in that class told me that this was the moment she first thought that maybe, just maybe, she could be a professor, too.
I 9 my mistake because I realized that trying to hide it was weakening my ability to concentrate my mind on my teaching—but I had no idea that it would also help shorten the 10 distance between my students and myself.
Many contexts may 11 or shame people for making mistakes. Our efforts to avoid them 12 our desires for success, and how others will respond to our mistakes. We might feel 13 and shame if we do make some.
However, mistake-making is part of learning new things, and it can 14 us closer to others. It 15 up the possibility of accepting mistakes gladly, letting us be more open and engaged in what we are doing.
