Saying “that was my mistake” before anyone asks buys you more authority than a perfect record.

Owning an error early takes the story away from everyone else. When you name it first, there is nothing left to uncover and no reason to wonder what else you are hiding. A flawless record only proves you have not been tested, or that you are good at covering. The admission is what people actually use to decide about you.

Next time you get something wrong, say so before the question comes. Name it plainly, say what you will do differently, and skip the long apology. People forgive the mistake far more easily than having to dig it out of you.