“My Bad!” Normalizing Messing Up

Generation Z has taught me the beautiful acceptance of making a mistake and taking responsibility in the simple phrase, “My bad!”

“My bad!” is often thrown off in a casual and light way. It means, “I made a mistake. I take responsibility.”

Growing up I internalized the message that making mistakes was shameful. Working in the theater demanded that I let go of this message and embrace messing up, without being derailed. I learned that striving for perfection only serves to block creativity.

AND, I still feel a twinge of shame and fear when I make a mistake. I can get defensive and rigid instead of being fluid. How I wish I had the good-natured acceptance I see in teens to acknowledge missteps, take full responsibility, and move right along.

This week, try using the phrase, “My bad” when you make a mistake and see how it feels. If you have teens who will roll their eyes at the use of such a GenZ phrase, let them know you are simply learning from their wisdom!