Turning Mistakes Into Your Best Teacher
Nobody likes making mistakes, but let’s face it—they’re inevitable. The difference between people who grow and those who stay stuck isn’t whether they make mistakes; it’s how they handle them. Instead of letting mistakes discourage you, what if you saw them as one of the best ways to learn and improve?
Think about a time when something didn’t go as planned at work. Maybe a project got delayed because you underestimated how long it would take to get approvals. Or maybe you sent an email too soon and had to backtrack. Instead of dwelling on what went wrong, take a moment to reflect. Ask yourself, What can I do differently next time? Every mistake is an opportunity to adjust, refine, and come back stronger.
I once struggled with managing stakeholder expectations on a project. I assumed everyone was on the same page, but when deadlines approached, I realized key decisions hadn’t been made. It was stressful, and honestly, I felt like I had failed. But instead of avoiding those tough conversations, I used it as a lesson. I implemented weekly check-ins, clarified roles earlier, and became more proactive about communication. The result? A much smoother process the next time around.
Mistakes only feel like failures if you let them. Instead of avoiding them, embrace them. Talk to colleagues who have been through similar experiences and ask what they’ve learned. Take ownership, and show that you’re committed to getting better. That’s how growth happens.
Here’s something to think about: Are you learning from your mistakes, or are you repeating them because you’re not reflecting on what went wrong?
What’s next?
Take a recent mistake and break it down—what did you learn, and what steps can you take to avoid it in the future? Growth starts with reflection. If you want to explore how to turn challenges into opportunities, let’s connect. Click here to schedule a coaching call.
And for even more strategies on learning and growing in your career, grab your copy of Career Gymnastics by Cari Hawthorne.