Mistakes often feel heavy
Mistakes are something we all carry — sometimes as embarrassment, sometimes as regret. They can trigger shame and the thought: “I’ve failed.”
Reframing is a way of loosening that weight. Two simple tools can remind us that mistakes are not the end of the story — they’re part of the process of learning and growth.
A mistake doesn’t erase your worth. It simply shows you’re still learning.
I often come back to intention. What was behind the choice? That tells me far more than whether it went ‘right.’
F.A.I.L.
First Attempt In Learning
A reminder that not getting it right the first time is still progress.
Every attempt teaches something — even if the outcome isn’t what you hoped for.
M.I.S.T.A.K.E.S.
Moments of Insight for Self-Training And Knowledge through Exploration and Strategy
A longer phrase, but it captures the truth: mistakes bring insights. Each misstep offers wisdom that success alone rarely gives.
Why It Helps
These acronyms aren’t magic fixes — they’re reframing tools. A way to catch the spiral of self-criticism and redirect it: from “I failed” to “I learned.”
Therapy and Mistakes
In therapy, mistakes are often part of the journey. Sessions may feel messy or unclear, but those are often the moments that lead to breakthrough. You just need a place which is safe, free from judgement where you can explore them fully.
A mistake doesn’t stop your journey — it’s proof that you’re still on it.
I’ve always learned more from mistakes than getting it right. And I remind myself: mistakes happen — what happens next is what counts.
