How I’m Learning to Make Peace with Mistakes (and Why You Should Too)

Let’s be real: making mistakes feels uncomfortable. It’s awkward, sometimes embarrassing, and it can make you want to crawl under a blanket and disappear for a bit (just me?). But here's what I’ve learned: messing up is literally part of the process. Growth doesn’t happen without a little trial and error. In fact, some of the best lessons come from falling flat on your face, dusting yourself off, and trying again.

If you’re like me and tend to overthink every little thing (especially when it comes to failing), here are a few mindset shifts that have helped me stop fearing mistakes and start learning from them.

Everyone Makes Mistakes ... And I Do Mean Literally Everyone

Sometimes we convince ourselves that we’re the only ones fumbling, messing up, or getting it “wrong.” Spoiler alert: we’re not.

Even the most confident, put-together people you admire have made major mistakes (me) they’ve just learned not to let those mistakes define them.

A lot of that fear we carry doesn’t even come from ourselves. It’s the voice of other people we think are watching and judging us. But honestly? Most folks are too wrapped up in their own stuff to notice every little misstep you make. And if they do notice and choose to judge you for it?... oh fckn well!

That says more about them than it ever will about you.

😬 What’s the Worst That Could Happen?

Many people find it helpful to think about the worst that could happen if they try something and fail. This helps to dispel the fear because you realize the worst-case scenario is not so bad after all.

This is one of my favorite journaling prompts when I feel frozen by fear. I literally write down:

• What’s the absolute worst-case scenario?

• What’s the best-case outcome?

• And what’s most likely to happen?

Once you lay it all out, things usually don’t seem as scary. That new project you’re scared to launch? Even if it flops, you’ll walk away with clarity and experience. That awkward conversation you’ve been avoiding? It might actually lead to the exact closure or growth you need.

🧠 Your Inner Critic is Loud, But It’s Not Always Right

Let me introduce you to the inner hater in my head: she’s dramatic, loud, and loves to chime in with “what if you embarrass yourself?” right when I’m trying to be brave.

But here’s what I’ve learned:

Just because that voice is loud doesn’t mean it’s true.

Now, when they show up, I pause and check in with myself. Is this thought helpful? Is it trying to protect me, or is it just holding me back?

Sometimes, all it takes is saying: “Hey, I see you, but we’re doing it anyway.”

You’re Supposed to Make Mistakes

Read that again. You are supposed to make mistakes.

That’s how we grow. That’s how we get better.

There’s no magic trick or overnight success story that doesn’t involve someone messing up, learning, and trying again.

The people we admire aren’t fearless, they’re just in the habit of moving forward even when they’re afraid.

🗣 Change the Way You Talk to Yourself

One thing I’ve been practicing? Reframing the way I talk to myself when something doesn’t go as planned.Instead of “I messed this up,” I’ll say:

• “Okay, now I know what to tweak next time.”

• “This didn’t work, but I learned something valuable.”

• “I’m still proud of myself for trying.”

  
  

Your words matter. They shape your mindset. So if you wouldn’t say it to your bestie, don’t say it to yourself either.

💜 Be Gentle With Yourself

Making mistakes doesn’t mean you’re failing; it means you’re trying.

And trying, even imperfectly, is brave. So next time you stumble, take a breath, show yourself some love, and keep going. You’re doing better than you think.

Have you made a mistake recently that taught you something real?

Tell me in the comments. I’m all ears and zero judgment. 💬✨

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