We all live with a double standard. Excuse vs Judgment.

When I mess up, I say:
“I was tired.”
“I had too much on my plate.”

When someone else messes up, I say:
“They’re careless.”
“They don’t respect deadlines.”

Psychologists call this the Fundamental Attribution Error.
Marcus Aurelius said it simpler 2,000 years ago:
“When you get angry at someone’s mistake, first remember your own failings.”

Different language. Same truth.
We cut ourselves slack but judge others harshly.

What if we flipped it?

• Give others the same grace we give ourselves.
• Judge their situation, not just their actions.
• Forgive more. Label less.

In workplaces, this shift is powerful:

• People stop hiding mistakes.
• Meetings shift from blame to problem-solving.
• Trust grows.

Here’s the challenge:
This week, when someone frustrates you, pause.
Ask: “If I did this, what excuse would I give myself?”
Then offer them the same slack.

Grace is contagious. Start with one person.

Question for you:
Have you caught yourself falling into this double standard recently?