Everyone messes up sometimes — we’re all human and no one’s perfect, so mistakes are bound to happen.
However, some people tend to make fewer foolish mistakes than others, whether because they’re more level-headed, they’re less impulsive, or because they have some traits that make good decision-making a bit easier. If you’ve ever met people who seem to have their act together and keep their screw up tally low, they probably have these qualities.
1. They actually listen when other people are talking.
They’re not tuned out, thinking about what they’re going to say the first time they get a chance to speak. They’re properly tuning in, taking mental notes, and really hearing what people have to say. As a result, they’re way less likely to misunderstand instructions or miss important details that could lead to slip-ups.
2. They’re not afraid to double-check things.
Whether it’s an email before hitting send or the oven before leaving the house, they’re all about the double-check. They know that taking an extra moment to confirm things can save a whole lot of hassle later on. They’re not paranoid, they’re just smart thinkers — and doing this has saved their bacon more times than they could count.
3. They’re not too proud to ask questions.
If something’s not clear, they’ll pipe up and ask. They’d rather risk looking a bit daft for a moment than make a big blunder later. They want to make sure they’re getting the right info from the start, even if it means admitting they don’t know something. Better to find out before they get it wrong, after all.
4. They take their time instead of rushing.
These people know that haste makes waste, so they’d rather take a bit longer and do things properly than rush and mess up. They’re not dawdling, mind you — just giving tasks the time they deserve to get them right the first go. What’s the sense of crossing things off a to-do list if they’re not done right or well?
5. They learn from their past mistakes.
When they do slip up (because again, nobody’s perfect), they don’t just shrug it off. They take a good look at what went wrong and file that info away for next time. They never make the same mistake twice, since they actually learn the lessons they need to the first time around.
6. They plan ahead and think things through.
These people aren’t just winging it in life — they take a moment to think about possible consequences and outcomes, and they plan accordingly. They don’t get caught in a cycle of overthinking, but they do use a bit of foresight to avoid the more obvious pitfalls.
7. They keep their workspace and life organised.
A tidy space means a tidy mind, as they say, and people who rarely make foolish mistakes tend to have systems in place to keep things in order. When everything has its place, there’s less chance of forgetting important stuff or making silly errors because of clutter.
8. They’re not afraid to say “no” when they’re overloaded.
They know their limits and aren’t shy about setting boundaries. By not taking on more than they can handle, they’re less likely to make mistakes due to stress or being stretched too thin. It’s all about quality over quantity for them, and they’re unapologetic about it.
9. They stay focused on one task at a time.
Multitasking might seem efficient, but these people know it’s a recipe for messing up. They give their full attention to one thing before moving on to the next. This way, they’re less likely to miss important details or make careless mistakes.
10. They keep their emotions in check.
When things get heated or stressful, they know how to keep their cool. They don’t let their emotions cloud their judgement or lead them to rash decisions. It’s not that they don’t feel things — they just know how to manage those feelings. That’s also known as EQ, or emotional intelligence.
11. They’re open to feedback and new ideas.
They definitely don’t assume they know it all — in fact, they know that they don’t and that it’s impossible. They’re willing to listen to other perspectives and consider new approaches. Staying open helps them avoid the mistakes that come from being stuck in their ways or ignoring good advice.
12. They take care of themselves.
Source: Unsplash Getting enough sleep, eating well, and taking breaks might not seem related to making fewer mistakes, but it totally is. They know that when they’re well-rested and healthy, their minds are sharper and less prone to slip-ups.
13. They use tools and technology to their advantage.
Source: Unsplash Whether it’s setting reminders, using spell-check, or relying on project management apps, they’re not too proud to use tech help. They know that using the right tools can help catch mistakes before they become problems. Pretty smart of them, don’t you think?
14. They think before they speak or act.
Source: Unsplash These aren’t the people blurting out the first thing that comes to mind — they take a beat to consider their words and actions. Taking a little pause can make all the difference in avoiding foot-in-mouth moments or hasty decisions.
15. They’re not perfectionists, but they aim for excellence.
Source: Unsplash Interestingly, people who rarely make foolish mistakes aren’t obsessed with being perfect. They know that striving for perfection can lead to paralysis or silly mistakes from overthinking. Instead, they aim to do their best while accepting that small imperfections are part of being human.
