You can’t be perfect. In your personal relationships and professional life, you will eventually mess up, no matter how hard you try not to.

If you mess up, fess up and own up. If the mistake was indeed yours, don’t try to hide it, lie about it, or blame someone else. Just own it.

To do otherwise undermines your credibility and trustworthiness. On the contrary, owning your mistake means you demonstrate accountability and integrity. It also shows that you’re relatable and human.

The next time you mess up, be honest and accept responsibility immediately. It might feel uncomfortable, but owning your mistakes is more powerful than you think.