We all make mistakes during our lifetimes, some big, some small, some we regret, and
some we learn from. All mistakes are opportunities to learn and grow. Getting an answer wrong on a test, gives us the chance to learn the right answer. Realizing that a wrong decision was made, provides the awareness to make the right choice next time. Unfortunately, many of us fear growth and change, and instead ignore mistakes. Ignorance leads to repeated mistakes and repeated bad decisions that usually only leads to worse and worse mistakes, which not only harm ourselves but hurt others as well. Ignorance, driven by the ego’s fear of letting go, does not allow for a life full of knowledge, wisdom, love, and compassion. Failure to learn and grow leads to stagnation and destructiveness.
When we set aside the ego’s pride and fear, and acknowledge the mistakes we have made, at that moment we open up our hearts. Learning what we can from our mistakes opens our minds to learn more about the subject matter, about our lives, and most importantly about ourselves. When we have learned from our mistakes, when we have grown from them, we have no regrets. We can truly be our own greatest teacher. Let us all learn from our mistakes so that we can continually grow to be more loving, compassionate, happy, and joyful people with ourselves and towards others, even if they have not yet learned from their mistakes.
Through the Peacock's Eyes 
I liked the sign in my old office kitchen that said, “Experience is what allows me to recognize the same mistake when I make it again.” Such a powerful message here, thank you. I have always concluded, on pondering my mistakes, that there was no other way that I could have learned what I had learned from each mistake.
Thanks for your comment! You make a great point…we should focus to finding solutions, not on mistakes, or as John Lennon sang: “There are no problems, only solutions.”
This is such a basic message, yet so many people miss it. As I am constantly clarifying at work, I am not trying to get people to admit mistakes, but to do something about the mistakes that are made. I make plenty of mistakes, but I acknowledge it, learn form it, and move on to a solution. Those who can’t admit a mistake was made, whether it was their fault or not, can’t move towards a solution.