To err is Human...right?

This has nothing to do with anything right now, but due to some somewhat recent things, particularly at work, I have been thinking about this lately.
The counselor at my High School had a quote on her desk. I don’t remember exactly what it said, but basically, “Your accomplishments will never be remembered, and your failures will never be forgotten”. I don’t think it was there to put you down, but rather motivate you to not mess up and have those things mark your legacy. Since then I have always remembered that, not as a “if I screw up” but “when I screw up” that is what I will be remembered for.
I don’t think it is quite that dramatic. I think many people are remember for their greatness, and there mistakes are overshadowed and forgotten. But I do think we tend to focus more on peoples mistakes, and not enough on the good things about them. I guess what I worry about is when it comes to advancing at work or in life, both in position and monetarily, my mistakes will hold me back rather than my accomplishments moving me forward. I just have to work hard to have my accomplishments be such that they overshadow the mistakes enough that they are not noticed.

PS. Just in case you are wondering, I don’t feel that I often mess up, nor is it bad when I do, but I do think I make my fair share of mistakes, as everyone does. I just hope they are looked at individually, not all compiled, or else that could be a little overwhelming.