Episode 108: Making Mistakes: Your Key to Growth and Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone
This episode is going to get real—because we’re talking all about mistakes. You know, those messy, unavoidable, but totally human things we all experience. I’ll be sharing some personal stories and insights that have recently come up for me, and I hope you’ll feel encouraged.
Facing Mistakes (Even the Silly Ones)
Let’s kick things off with a funny little tale. Last week, we hosted a lovely Italian-themed dinner party, and everything was going great—until dessert. Instead of making something from scratch, I opted for spumoni ice cream and ladyfingers. Sounds fancy, right? Well, those ladyfingers were meant for tiramisu, and the dry cookie-and-ice-cream combo didn’t exactly win over the guests. That’s when I decided to actually make tiramisu for the first time, which brought me face to face with my ultimate kitchen nemesis: whipped cream. As silly as it sounds, this moment made me realize just how much anxiety I carry about making mistakes, even when it’s something as trivial as dessert. And it got me thinking: why are we all so scared of messing up?
The Fear of Judgment
One big reason we fear mistakes is the judgment that we believe comes with them. I wanted to impress my dinner guests (and my dad!) with this perfect dessert, and when things didn’t go according to plan, my mind immediately went to thoughts like, “What will they think?” This fear of judgment can apply to so many areas of life, whether it’s at work, in relationships, or in our creative pursuits. We worry that one small mistake will somehow define us, and that fear can be paralyzing. But here’s the thing: mistakes don’t define us. They’re just moments—little blips on the radar of life.
Perfectionism and Progress
As someone who has struggled with perfectionism, I know firsthand how this fear of making mistakes can halt progress. It’s easy to overthink every step, to stall, and to sabotage your own growth just because you’re scared of messing up. I’ve done this in my business more times than I’d like to admit. I slow down, hesitate, or avoid taking risks because the potential for failure feels overwhelming. But here’s the truth: no progress happens without mistakes. Perfectionism keeps us playing small, and while it might feel safe, it’s not where growth happens. Trust me, I’m learning this as I go.
I want to leave you with this: mistakes are inevitable, but they don’t have to be the end of the world. Whether it’s a tiramisu fail or a big opportunity that scares you, the only way to move forward is to embrace the possibility of failure. It’s in those moments where we learn the most and grow the fastest. So, don’t be afraid to make mistakes. They’re part of the journey—and honestly, they make for great stories along the way. ;)
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Many of us struggle with a fear of making mistakes. This fear can lead to anxiety, slower progress, and even self-sabotage. Recognizing and confronting this fear is the first step toward growth.
Instead of seeing mistakes as failures, view them as opportunities for feedback. Each mistake offers valuable information about how you can adjust, refine, and improve your approach. Mistakes can be learning moments, helping you improve systems and processes.
Often, avoiding mistakes means avoiding opportunities. Taking risks may feel uncomfortable, but growth happens outside of your comfort zone. Embrace the discomfort and celebrate the courage it takes to try new things, even if they don’t work out perfectly.
Instead of harshly criticizing yourself when mistakes happen, practice self-compassion. Be curious about what you can learn from the experience and how it can help you improve in the future.
Don’t let mistakes define you. Instead, dust yourself off, adjust your approach, and keep moving forward. Celebrate your efforts and recognize that every step, no matter how small, contributes to your progress.
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