Making mistakes in work

I am still on probation… But I made a grave mistake… I didnt check on my work and i ended up making company incur cost that could have been avoided… I have been doing things slowly and with this mistake, i am worried that I wont pass my probation… It is giving me anxiety as I keep thinking about it… I know my feelings r valid, i know i cannot control future and focus on now but this doesnt solve my dwellings and I am really afraid so i am wondering, how can i stop this feeling of shame, guilt and fear…

And i used detailed oriented as my selling point during my interview but now that I think about it, actually what i said in interview could be a lie and i technically dont know anything but during interview in order to get a job i keep showing off my skillset and knowledge but after working i realise i had none… This makes me wonder if “they have regretted hiring me” and also i keep thinking “it would have been better off if they hired better candidates back then who had more experience than me”. Yes a lot of self doubt and poor self esteem which stems from the lack of self love and self worth & confidence (which is another big problem on its on and I can potentially share it in another new post)…

Hi @AnxietyEmployee

Thank you for reaching out for support. That takes a lot of courage and I think is a great first step towards progress. Well done!

Your feelings of anxiety and self-doubt due to a mistake during probation are fully valid and something many of us have experienced. I agree that the fear of not meeting expectations is gripping. Coupled with that you are not alone in feeling guilt and shame about your perceived dishonesty during the interview. This is contributing to little self-love, low self-worth, and low confidence.

For Immediate Relief

  1. Acknowledge your emotions: Validating your feelings helps process them.
  2. Self-compassion: Treat yourself with kindness, just as you would a friend.
  3. Focus on the present: Break tasks into smaller, manageable steps.

Do consider these long-term strategies

  1. Reflect on strengths: Identify areas where you excel.
  2. Learn from mistakes: Use this experience to improve attention to detail.
  3. Seek feedback: Ask supervisors or colleagues for constructive criticism.
  4. Develop self-awareness: Recognize areas for growth and improvement.
  5. Build self-confidence: Celebrate small achievements.

Reframe Negative Thoughts

  1. “I made a mistake, but I can learn from it.”
  2. “I’m capable of growth and improvement.”
  3. “My skills and experience are valuable assets.”

I recommend you to consider taking these steps:

  1. Schedule a meeting with your supervisor to discuss concerns.
  2. Create an action plan to improve attention to detail.
  3. Practice self-care and self-compassion daily.

Remember, you’re not alone. Everyone makes mistakes. I believe it’s human nature to err. Learn from them. Focus on growth, learning, and self-improvement. Keep going one small step at a time. You can get better and feel more fulfilled♥️!

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Hi @CaringBee, thank you for your informative insights! Appreciate it and learn alot~ However i understand is normal to make mistakes but i think this mistake is grave to the point i make company waste unwanted money… So in a sense i made company lose money and is not a small sum in my opinion… I also drag my senior down as she has to answer to the boss… This made me felt worse and how should I reduce this guilt and change for the better?

@AnxietyEmployee Hey, I’m really sorry to hear you’re going through this. Sounds like it’s been a tough experience, especially with the added pressure of being on probation. It’s completely normal to feel anxious after a mistake, especially when you’re trying to make a strong impression. I agree with CaringBee that everyone makes mistakes, no matter how experienced they are. The fact that you’re being so reflective about it already shows a lot about your character and dedication.

It’s so common to feel like you’ve “oversold” yourself in an interview. I don’t think nobody expects you to be perfect or know everything right off the bat. Being detail-oriented doesn’t mean you’ll never slip up, it just means you have the mindset to improve and grow from these situations, and that’s actually a big strength!! I believe that your interview wasn’t a lie. You seem to have those qualities, and these moments will only help you get better at using them.

The self-doubt you’re feeling is so relatable—many people go through this, especially in new roles. If it helps, maybe focus on small things you can do to help regain a sense of control, like double-checking your work or talking to your manager for tips. Give yourself credit for working through these feelings and wanting to grow from this. That says a lot about you! Be kind to yourself—you’re more capable than you might feel right now. :slight_smile:

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hey @AnxietyEmployee

thank you for sharing! sounds like you are having a hard time coping with the mistake you made, especially since ir might affect your probation. its normal to feel anxious and worried after making a mistake, but i love how you said that you can’t control your future and should instead focus on the now. which is very true! what’s done is done, and as much as it sucks, there is really nothing you can do about it. but what you CAN do is focus on the now, focus on what you can change. that could be being extra caredul woth your work, giving more help to your supervisor, or double checking your work with your supervisor to make sure everything is good. i understand that its easier said than done, but i hope you can be kinder to yourself because it is ok to make mistakes, and no one is perfect. as long as you learn from your mistakes and improve on your next try, then you’re good!