Mistakes are an inevitable part of life.

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But they don’t have to just be tolerated: they can be a springboard for growth. 

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Brilliant mistakes are errors that offer significant lessons without causing major setbacks.

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Mistakes you need to help you improve. Big enough to shake your world. Not big enough to bring it down.

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Here’s how to make meaningful yet manageable mistakes to foster your personal development.

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1. It’s growth, not regression

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Start by rethinking your perspective on mistakes. 

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Instead of seeing them as failures, view them as opportunities to learn. This mindset shift is the basic first step for what’s to come. 

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Write down a recent mistake and list three things you learned from it. Force yourself to find the good in each setback.

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Use this list as a reminder that mistakes are stepping stones for growth.

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2. Experimentation zones

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Find areas where you can afford to take risks without severe consequences. Without safe spaces, it’ll be hard not to worry too much.

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Try out a new hobby. Learn a new skill. Experiment with a new routine. 

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Designate times and places for trying new ideas. Some place you won’t be judged. Some time you don’t feel like you’re wasting precious minutes.

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When the stakes are low, you give yourself room for growth and enjoyment.

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3. The 5 whys

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When you make a mistake, apply the 5 Whys technique to understand the root cause.

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Ask yourself, “Why did this happen?” and then ask “Why?” regarding that first answer. Do it five times. 

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“Why did this video go viral?” Because people liked it.

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“Why did people like it?” Because it featured famous characters.

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“Why did people like that it featured famous characters?” Because they want to know more about them.

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“Why do they want to know more about them?” Because humans are inherently nosy.

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“Why are humans nosy?” Because curiosity helps them learn, connect, and navigate their social environment.

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You’ll be questioning everything in no time and developing a curiosity that elevates your understanding of why things happen.

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Search for the underlying reasons for mistakes and you’ll find clarity on how to avoid them in the future.

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4. Mistake journal

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Keep a dedicated journal where you record your mistakes and the lessons learned. 

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Each entry should include:

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• When it happened

• What happened

• Why it happened (using the 5 Whys)

• What you learned

• ‍How you plan to prevent it from happening again

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Review your entries regularly. Track your progress and identify recurring patterns.

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No one knows you better than yourself.

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5. Feedback

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Actively seek feedback from friends, family members, or mentors.

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Be specific in your requests. Instead of asking, “How am I doing?” ask, “What could I improve in my communication skills?” or “How can I be more effective in managing my time?” 

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Use their insights to guide your efforts. And make sure it’s people whose judgment you trust. A friend you look up to. The right mentor.

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6. Trial periods

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Before making significant changes, set a trial period.

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Again, these mistakes should feel safe. Meant for growth, not destruction.

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For example, if you want a major lifestyle change like a new diet or exercise regimen, test it for two weeks first. 

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Check how you feel, what works, and what doesn’t. There is no perfect formula, so test ideas in ways that don’t permanently alter your life from the get-go.

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7. Practice resilience daily

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Take on small challenges in your daily routine to build resilience. Things you can fail at, again, without too high of a risk.

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Learning a new language. Trying a new workout. Engaging in mindful meditation.

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By facing and overcoming small challenges, you strengthen your ability to handle larger mistakes.

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If you don’t work on your frustration threshold, the tiniest setbacks will send you into a spiral. And the whole point of brilliant mistakes is failing forward.

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There’s a lesson in every error.

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So, should you be failing on purpose?

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In a way, yes.

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But it’s not about sabotaging yourself or making mistakes you know the answer to.

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Brilliant mistakes come from exposing yourself to situations that may or may not lead you to fail. That’s the point.

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It’s about embracing the unknown for what it can teach you. Strategic, low-risk actions that lead to high-value learning. 

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Fight the expectations of being perfect constantly and find useful knowledge in setbacks.

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For more insights on brilliant mistakes, check out this week’s episode of TOP CMO with Beyond Identity’s CMO, out now!

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Ever thought about creating your own thought leadership content? At TOP Thought Leader, we amplify new and established voices so they can become pioneers of their generation. Get in touch with us and embark on your journey!