Making mistakes is part of human nature. Some mistakes, viewed in retrospect, turn out to be valuable life lessons.

Other mistakes sabotage efforts to succeed in life and relationships. Mistakes that contain unhealthy behavior patterns, often unconsciously repeated to our detriment.

Often, mistakes people make can be attributed to immaturity, low self-esteem or impulsiveness. Behaviors that encourage mistakes can be modified, but first it is necessary to identify and acknowledge them.

Ten mistakes people make:

1) Fear of making mistakes

Perhaps the greatest mistake is being afraid of making mistakes. Nothing can be accomplished by an individual who is afraid to try anything for fear of failing, or limits himself to only the familiar. Being too cautious out of fear of erring is a mistake.

2) Worrying about what others think

Worrying excessively about what others might think can cause individuals to limit their activity, or embrace relationships or careers for which they are ill-suited. Living one’s life solely to gain approval from others is a mistake.

3) Procrastinating

Procrastination can interfere with the ability to be productive. An unpleasant task will not be less unpleasant by putting it off. Far better to accomplish the task and move on. Procrastinators often create bigger problems, or unwieldy situations, by their avoidance. Procrastination, more often than not, is a mistake.

4) Rationalization

Rationalizing behavior that is wrong or unhealthy, in order to indulge or continue, is a mistake. One common rationalization is to blame a deficient childhood for current errant behavior. When a person owns his life and circumstance, he puts childhood angst in the past. Only then is it possible to take responsibility for life and bring about positive changes. Playing, The blame game, is a mistake.

5) Skewed priorities

When one does not have life’s priorities in the correct order, mistakes are made. Each person has responsibility to himself, his family, his community and his nation; in that order. If one is a big-hearted philanthropist and neglects day-to-day needs of family, or fails to take care of his own health, then his skewed priorities will be a visible and costly mistake.

6) Being unable to say, I’m sorry.

Individuals who cannot, or will not, express sorrow or regret are unable to have fulfilling relationships. There are many occasions when a simple, I’m sorry, could save the day, a job, or a relationship. Neglecting to acknowledge ever being wrong is a mistake.

7) Being resistant to change

Change is a crucial part of life and progress. Those who are resistant to change will often remain in unhappy situations, rather than take risks with new experiences. Being resistant to change is a mistake.

8) Ignoring consequences

Neglecting to think a plan through from inception to consequence is a frequent mistake. For every action, there is a reaction, or consequence. Having good ideas is admirable; not viewing them from all angles, and recognizing potential consequence, can be a mistake.

9) Being too sensitive, or not sensitive enough

Taking everything that is said and done too much to heart can cause needless personal unhappiness. Not being sensitive to the feelings and circumstances of others can cause them unhappiness. Both extremes of sensitivity can be a mistake

10) Giving up too soon

Most of the rewards in life come about through hard work and perseverance. Being easily discouraged, or losing enthusiasm due to impatience, can create the frustration of unrealized goals and dreams. Giving up too soon can be a mistake.

These are just some of the mistakes people can potentially make while navigating the challenges of life.

Raised self-awareness through education, introspection, maturity and personal growth is the way most people mitigate, eliminate, or rise above these ten common mistakes.