Why we blame others for our mistakes? /GENERAL ARTICLES

Why we blame others for our mistakes? 

Fine, it makes us feel better and relieved, but have you ever thought at what cost? 

We are so fine at this art of making others responsible for all the difficult things happen to us that we don't feel wrong anymore. It's normal for us.

This is something I have seen and experienced that our society supports this as perfectly acceptable. We take the credit for ourselves if things go good in life, but lay blame on others or situations when things go bad.

Let me tell you, playing the blame game never works in the long run. Because people who blame others for their mistakes lose status, learn less, and perform worse in comparison to those who own up to their mistakes.

I agree owning up to mistakes is tough because there is fear of judgment or tarnishing your reputation. 

But we should be able to take certain self-confidence and humbleness to admit, “Okay yes, I was wrong.”

Why can’t we be just that kind of person? Learning from experiences instead of just adopting those experiences.

Let’s suppose if you take a driver’s test. 

If you pass, you will likely make it an internal reason that you studied hard, or that you are naturally a good driver. But if you just fail the same test, suddenly there comes a list of reason, including but not limited to the weather was not suitable today or it wasn’t the car I usually drive, etc.

Blaming others is easy and it does not hold you accountable for things at times, which is a burden off your shoulder for a short time. Also, at times it feeds your need for control and protects your ego.

But do you ever think what are you losing out on by blaming?

Putting blame have long term consequences on your life and personality. And you stand to lose your personal as well as professional growth and positive influence on others and yourself.

In short, by blaming others for your mistakes and happenings, you are spreading the tendency to avoid responsibility to those around you, both at work and at home. 

Think about the consequences that bring especially if you are in a position of leadership where others look up to you.

Amna Bhatti