"Quand vous répétez une erreur, ce n'est plus une erreur : c'est une décision."

When you make the same mistake over and over, it stops being an accident or an oversight—it's a choice you're consciously making. Think about it. Once you've experienced the consequences of a blunder, you're armed with the knowledge to avoid it in the future. If you don't change your behavior, it's not that the universe is conspiring against you; it's that you're choosing to walk down the same problematic path.

This idea is pretty simple at its core. We all mess up—that's human nature. But if you keep doing the same thing that leads to trouble or pain, you're deciding to stay in that cycle. It's about taking responsibility for your actions and recognizing the power you have to change your course.

Historically, this concept has been around for ages. It’s like that old saying, "Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me." It’s a call to be more mindful and self-aware. Consider politicians or leaders who repeat the same failed policies—they’re making a choice, often for personal gain or stubbornness, rather than learning from past errors.

Let’s dive into a real-life example. Picture a friend who’s always late to meetings. The first time, maybe there was traffic. The second time, perhaps they forgot to set their alarm. But by the third or fourth time, you start to see a pattern. They’re not just unlucky—they're deciding not to prioritize being on time. This recurring tardiness is no longer a mistake; it’s a decision that affects their reliability and the trust others place in them.

So how do you apply this wisdom to your own life? Start by being brutally honest with yourself. Make a list of recurring problems you face. Are you always rushing in the morning because you hit snooze five times? Are you consistently burnt out because you can't say no to extra projects? Identify these patterns and recognize that you have the power to change them. It’s not easy, but the first step is acknowledging that the ball is in your court.

Now, imagine this scenario: You’re a student, and you bombed your last math test because you didn’t study. You promise yourself you'll do better next time. But when the next test rolls around, you find yourself binge-watching your favorite show instead of hitting the books. You end up with another failing grade. At this point, it’s not just a mistake—it’s a decision not to prioritize studying.

By recognizing this, you can break the cycle. Maybe you set up a study schedule, or perhaps you find a study buddy to keep you accountable. The key is to make a conscious change. It’s about turning that passive acceptance of mistakes into proactive decisions for improvement.

So next time you find yourself in a familiar bind, take a step back. Ask yourself, “Am I making the same mistake again? Is this really just bad luck, or am I choosing to repeat this pattern?” By making small, consistent changes, you can transform those old mistakes into new opportunities for growth and success. Think of it like a personal evolution—each decision you make is a step towards becoming a better version of yourself.