Making Careless Mistakes? Why It Happens & How to Cope

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Mental health professionals share insights on how to prevent silly mistakes
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It's really easy to beat yourself up over careless mistakes, but we’re here to tell you that everyone makes them–it’s part of being human! That said, it makes sense if you want to minimize your mistakes as much as possible. In this article, with the help of life coaches, therapists, and psychologists, we’re going to share effective ways to help you stop making thoughtless mistakes. We've also gathered plenty of tips to help you understand why careless mistakes happen and how you can cope with them in a healthy way.

How do I stop making careless mistakes?

To avoid careless mistakes, try to slow down and focus on completing one task at a time. It also helps to figure out why you made the mistakes so you can avoid repeating the same ones. Before you complete a task and move on, be sure to double-check your work so you can catch any careless mistakes that you missed.

Section 1 of 3:

Effective Ways to Stop Making Mistakes

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  1. Step 1 Figure out what caused the mistake.
    Think back to the moment of the mistake to determine the cause. If you know why the mistake was made, you can correct the problem so that it's less likely to happen again.[1] It can also help to look for patterns with your mistakes. That way, you can prioritize bigger issues you need to address.
    • Don’t be too hard on yourself—nobody's perfect and mistakes are a normal part of life. It can sometimes be tough to remember that, though! But if you're able to identify the pattern, you can break the cycle.[2]
    • For example, if you tend to make more mistakes during long tasks, build short breaks into your day. Taking breaks can make it easier to focus. Therapist Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW agrees, noting that short breaks can help you refresh your mind and avoid burnout.[3]
    • Pro tip: Life coach Sandra Possing says to remind yourself that failure isn't a bad thing. Mistakes can help you grow and become better at what you do.[4]

    Meet the wikiHow Experts

    Sandra Possing is a life coach, speaker, and entrepreneur based in the San Francisco Bay Area. She specializes in one-on-one coaching with a focus on mindset and leadership transformation.

    Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW is a therapist and head clinician at Astute Counseling Services, a private counseling practice in Chicago, Illinois. She has over 18 years of experience in the mental health field.

    Nicole Barile, PhD, NTP is a licensed clinical psychologist based in New York. She specializes in treating anxiety and mood disorders, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and related compulsive disorders.

    Julia Yacoob, PhD is a licensed clinical psychologist based in New York City. She specializes in helping adults cope with stress and anxiety.

    Kelli Miller, LCSW, MSW is a psychotherapist based in Los Angeles, California. She is also an award-winning and best-selling author.

  2. Step 2 Prepare for tasks before you get started on them.
    Get everything you need together before you start on something. You'll make fewer mistakes if you have everything you need close by. Take a few minutes to gather your tools or materials ahead of time. When you get started, you'll be able to focus completely on the task at hand rather than having to stop and look around for something you need.[5]
    • If you have to go find things after you've already started the task, it can take you that much longer to get back into the swing of things once you return. Too many interruptions and you might find yourself rushing through the job, which leads to an even greater risk of making mistakes.
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  3. Step 3 Slow down.
    Give yourself enough time so you don't have to rush. If you leave something to the last minute, you'll be under pressure to get it done. The stress and tension of that pressure leads to mistakes, as does the tendency to cut corners so you can meet your deadline.[6]
    • Be patient with yourself—it's okay if it takes you longer than it takes someone else, or if it ends up taking longer than you thought. It'll still take less time if you do it right the first time as opposed to having to fix a bunch of mistakes after the fact.
    • Sometimes it's hard to figure out how much time you need to complete a task—especially if it's something you've never done before. Just give it your best guesstimate, then multiply that amount of time by 1.5 to make sure.
  4. Step 4 Leave time to double-check your work.
    Go over what you've done carefully so you can correct any mistakes you might have made. Whether it's a household chore, a homework assignment, or a work project, always review your work when you think you're done. This gives you the opportunity to catch any mistakes and fix them before they cause bigger issues.
    • For example, if you're writing a report, leave time to proofread for any typos or grammatical errors. You could also ask a friend or family member to look it over—a fresh set of eyes can catch a mistake you might miss.
  5. Step 5 Stay in the moment.
    Act mindfully rather than allowing your mind to drift. If you keep your mind focused on the task at hand rather than allowing it to wander off, you'll often find that a lot of those careless mistakes become a thing of the past. According to Possing, this can take some practice, so start small and work your way up to bigger things.[7]
    • To help yourself be more present, try a short meditation where you focus all your attention on each sense for 1 minute. What are you seeing, hearing, tasting, smelling, and feeling? Possing suggests this whenever you feel your mind drifting to bring it back in touch with your surroundings.[8]
    • You're most likely to make careless mistakes when you're doing something you've done a thousand times that you don't need to think about doing. Because you're not paying attention, it's easy to miss something—but practicing mindfulness can help.
  6. Step 6 Focus on doing one thing at a time.
    It may seem like you're getting a lot done when you multi-task, but you'll make fewer mistakes if you give your full attention to one task at a time. Having to constantly switch gears as you move from one thing to another is a good way to make mistakes you could have avoided if you'd just focused.
    • The only things you can successfully multi-task are things that you can set and forget. For example, you can do something else while you're doing the laundry because you don't have to do anything while the machine does the work. Just don't forget to take it out when it's done!
  7. Step 7 Prioritize your tasks using checklists and to-do lists.
    Lists can help you get rid of mental clutter. If you're trying to remember a dozen things, your mind isn't focusing on the task at hand and a careless mistake is more likely. Possing suggests getting in the habit of writing things down and you'll free your mind to concentrate better.[9]
    • Get in the habit of making a to-do list each day, either first thing in the morning or before you go to bed at night (for the next day). This can help you organize your day better so you aren't leaving things to the last minute.
    • Tip: Look at what you have to do each day and put tasks in order of priority. If you get those out of the way when you have the most energy, you'll be less likely to make mistakes.
    • For example, if you have a hard time making phone calls and you have 2 calls you have to make, make them first thing in the morning to get them out of the way.
    • Tenzer also recommends breaking larger tasks up into smaller, more manageable ones. Then, you can focus on one step at a time.[10]
  8. Step 8 Set reminders on your phone if you’re prone to forgetfulness.
    This tactic works best if you find yourself frequently forgetting routine things, such as running out of gas. A recurring reminder to check the status enables you to take preventive action.[11] It's best to do this as soon as possible after you've made the mistake and it's still fresh in your mind. Otherwise, you might forget to set your reminder!
    • For example, suppose you're often late to work because you forgot to get gas the day before. Create a reminder that prompts you to check your gas gauge each afternoon before you leave work. That way, you can get gas on the way home.
  9. Step 9 Use a calendar for time-sensitive events.
    Schedule everything that needs to be done at a certain date and time. Keeping a single master calendar is a good way to make sure you know what needs to be done each day and where you need to be. It will also keep you from forgetting events and commitments you've made.[12]
    • Even if you have a separate calendar for work, it's still worth your while to add all those items to your master calendar. You can color-code things for work using a different color ink than you use for personal commitments.
    • If you use a digital calendar on your computer or phone, set reminders to help you keep track of your appointments.
    • Reader Poll: We asked 168 wikiHow readers if they use a calendar to keep track of their schedule, and 54% said yes. [Take Poll] Keeping a calendar is a great way to remember important events and complete major tasks.
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Section 2 of 3:

Why do I keep making careless mistakes?

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  1. Careless mistakes are usually caused by rushing, stress, or difficulty focusing.
    There are many logical reasons why you might be making mistakes, and plenty of solutions, too. But it might help to keep one important reason in mind: you make mistakes because you’re human! We all make mistakes sometimes. It’s totally normal and making occasional mistakes doesn’t mean we lack ability. The most common reasons why we all make mistakes include:
    • Rushing to finish something (often because of poor time management)
    • Fatigue (especially if you aren’t getting enough sleep)
    • Chronic stress (this could be work-related or in your personal life)
    • Mental overload (usually from multi-tasking, poor planning, or taking in too much info at once)
    • Poor focus and/or frequent distractions[13]
    • Underlying health issues like ADHD, anxiety disorders, depression, sleep disorders, or hormonal imbalances[14]
Section 3 of 3:

How to Cope With Careless Mistakes

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  1. Step 1 Remind yourself that nobody is perfect.
    Striving for excellence is a wonderful goal, but expecting yourself to be perfect all the time is not good for your mental health. Plus, being a perfectionist can make you take even longer to finish a task, and you’ll end up rushing through it–-a perfect storm for making mistakes. It’s a vicious cycle, and the first step toward breaking it is accepting that mistakes happen sometimes–and that’s okay.[15]
  2. Step 2 Focus on solutions.
    If you make a mistake at work or school, start by acknowledging it immediately. Clinical psychologist Julia Yacoob, PhD says doing this is a sign of strength and character.[17] Licensed clinical psychologist Chloe Carmichael, PhD agrees, saying that taking ownership is also a sign of maturity.[18] After you own up to your mistakes, though, it’s important to focus on how to fix the problem rather than dwelling on how you messed up. Working on solutions will help you build trust with your teacher, boss, friend, or family member (depending on who your mistake affected).[19]
  3. Step 3 Try to appreciate or learn from your mistakes.
    Learning to reframe mistakes as opportunities can take a lot of pressure off of you and help you cultivate a more positive mindset. It’s okay to feel bad when you make a mistake, but don’t dwell on it too long or shame yourself. Therapist Kelli Miller, LCSW, MSW says shaming yourself over a mistake is wasting a good opportunity. Instead, she suggests looking at a mistake as an opportunity to learn something new.[20]
    • For example, let’s say you’re a student who just failed a test because they spent too much time on the harder questions. It doesn’t feel good to fail, but going forward, you can try solutions like skipping difficult questions and returning to them later so you can avoid making the same mistake again.
  4. Step 4 Learn to forgive yourself for careless mistakes.
    Ruminating on your mistakes only leads to lowered self-esteem and fear that you’ll make more mistakes in the future (which will probably just lead to you making more mistakes). A powerful alternative to self-blame is self-forgiveness. Tenzer says, “It’s important to show self-love and forgiveness when you make mistakes. We are all human, we are bound to make errors in judgment. The most important thing is learning from your mistake.”[21]
    • Miller agrees, suggesting that you forgive yourself and focus on what you’ll do differently next time.[22]
    • Psychotherapist Stefanie Barthmare, M.Ed., LPC says, “Befriend the past mistakes. You did the best you could at the time. When you know better you do better. That’s called growth.”[23]
    • Here are affirmations you can try when you need to forgive yourself for mistakes:
      • I forgive myself for my past mistakes. I am not defined by them.
      • I am human, and making mistakes leads to growth.
      • I release guilt and shame, and choose self-forgiveness.
      • I am learning and growing from every experience.
  5. Step 5 Remember that these negative feelings will pass.
    It’s totally normal to feel bad about making careless mistakes, but keep in mind that this little blip isn’t the end of the world. Not even close! One way to speed this process up is to find a quiet place where you feel safe and spend some time calmly reflecting on what happened. Facing your mistakes can be uncomfortable, but try to be brave. Let the negative emotions wash over you and accept them for what they are. Sit with them for a moment. Then, release the negative emotions and move on.[24]
  6. 6
    Talk to a mental health professional if you’re struggling. Sometimes, it’s tough to let go of past mistakes, even minor ones. This is especially true if you’re a perfectionist. Simply telling yourself to “accept it and move on” may not work. If you find yourself ruminating on what happened or beating yourself up over it days or weeks later, it might help to speak with a therapist or other mental health professional. They can give you useful tools for managing and navigating similar situations in the future.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How can I stop feeling bad about my mistakes?
    Sandra Possing
    Sandra Possing
    Life Coach
    Sandra Possing is a life coach, speaker, and entrepreneur based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Sandra specializes in one-on-one coaching with a focus on mindset and leadership transformation. Sandra received her coaching training from The Coaches Training Institute and has seven years of life coaching experience. She holds a BA in Anthropology from the University of California, Los Angeles.
    Sandra Possing
    Sandra Possing
    Life Coach
    Expert Answer
    As people, we are conditioned to think that failure is a bad thing, but that's just not true. Making mistakes is all a part of growing and becoming a better person. Think of a baby learning to walk. That baby is going to fall countless times before it learns how to take those first steps. That baby is allowed to fail while learning something new and so are you!
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  • Question
    How can I stop repeatedly making the same mistakes?
    Paul Chernyak, LPC
    Paul Chernyak, LPC
    Licensed Professional Counselor
    Paul Chernyak is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Chicago. He graduated from the American School of Professional Psychology in 2011.
    Paul Chernyak, LPC
    Paul Chernyak, LPC
    Licensed Professional Counselor
    Expert Answer
    You need to first become aware and conscious of the repeated mistakes you make in order to stop doing them. It would be helpful to write down the mistakes you make and see if they have a commonality between them.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    What does sleep have to do with it?
    Paul Chernyak, LPC
    Paul Chernyak, LPC
    Licensed Professional Counselor
    Paul Chernyak is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Chicago. He graduated from the American School of Professional Psychology in 2011.
    Paul Chernyak, LPC
    Paul Chernyak, LPC
    Licensed Professional Counselor
    Expert Answer
    Quality sleep helps to keep your mind sharp, energetic, and focused, usually so that you are more likely to avoid making careless mistakes.
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  • Maintain a healthy lifestyle to keep your brain sharp and less likely to make careless mistakes. A regular sleeping and eating routine and daily exercise will help you perform your best.[25]
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  • If you find dealing with mistakes stressful or overwhelming, consider talking to a professional. Therapy can help you handle mistakes better and find ways to cope.
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References

  1. ↑ https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/why_we_should_embrace_mistakes_in_school
  2. ↑ https://www.coloradotech.edu/blog/2018/september/how-to-learn-from-your-mistakes
  3. ↑ Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP. Therapist. Expert Interview
  4. ↑ Sandra Possing. Life Coach. Expert Interview
  5. ↑ https://ohsonline.com/Articles/2019/01/01/Production-vs-Safety.aspx?p=1
  6. ↑ https://ohsonline.com/Articles/2019/01/01/Production-vs-Safety.aspx?p=1
  7. ↑ Sandra Possing. Life Coach. Expert Interview
  8. ↑ Sandra Possing. Life Coach. Expert Interview
  9. ↑ Sandra Possing. Life Coach. Expert Interview
  1. ↑ Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP. Therapist. Expert Interview
  2. ↑ https://childmind.org/article/how-to-help-yourself-get-organized/
  3. ↑ https://childmind.org/article/how-to-help-yourself-get-organized/
  4. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/focus-on-concentration
  5. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/brain-fog
  6. ↑ https://summer.harvard.edu/blog/perfectionism-might-be-hurting-you-heres-how-to-change-your-relationship-to-achievement/#How-to-Identify-Perfectionism
  7. ↑ Nicole Barile, PhD, NTP. Licensed Clinical Psychologist & Nutritional Therapist. Expert Interview
  8. ↑ Julia Yacoob, PhD. Clinical Psychologist. Expert Interview
  9. ↑ Chloe Carmichael, PhD. Licensed Clinical Psychologist. Expert Interview
  10. ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/making-mistakes-at-work
  11. ↑ Kelli Miller, LCSW, MSW. Therapist. Expert Interview
  12. ↑ Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP. Therapist. Expert Interview
  13. ↑ Kelli Miller, LCSW, MSW. Therapist. Expert Interview
  14. ↑ Stefanie Barthmare, M.Ed., LPC. Psychotherapist. Expert Interview
  15. ↑ https://northbrisbanepsychologists.com.au/obsessing-about-a-mistake/
  16. ↑ http://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/stress-management.htm

About This Article

Sandra Possing
Co-authored by:
Sandra Possing
Life Coach
This article was co-authored by Sandra Possing and by wikiHow staff writer, Amber Crain. Sandra Possing is a life coach, speaker, and entrepreneur based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Sandra specializes in one-on-one coaching with a focus on mindset and leadership transformation. Sandra received her coaching training from The Coaches Training Institute and has seven years of life coaching experience. She holds a BA in Anthropology from the University of California, Los Angeles. This article has been viewed 375,957 times.
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Co-authors: 18
Updated: March 4, 2026
Views: 375,957
Categories: Personal Failure
Article SummaryX

To make fewer careless mistakes, start keeping track of the kinds of mistakes you often make, such as losing car keys or missing deadlines, by writing them down. Make sure to use a calendar and to-do list to stay organized and avoid missing appointments. Once you’ve decluttered your schedule, declutter your physical environment too, as a clean room will help you focus on the tasks at hand. To learn how remaining relaxed and mindful can help you avoid careless mistakes, keep reading.

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