UXL Blog

Many of us are terrified to fail. Whether we’re taking on a new project, giving a presentation, starting a new hobby, or making a major transition, the fear of failure can stop us in our tracks and prevent us from fully taking on the endeavor. But what would happen if we didn’t worry so much about failure? What if we embraced the idea that trial and error is just fine?

How Trial and Error Spurs Innovation

By letting go of the fear of failure, we open ourselves to new possibilities and opportunities for growth. We free ourselves to go out on a limb, get creative, or take paths we might not normally take. This is how innovation and growth happen—when our comfort zones are stretched and we’re willing to explore the unknown.

Embracing trial and error allows us to experiment, learn, and refine our approach. Even if we don’t get it right the first time, each attempt provides valuable feedback and brings us closer to our goal. By letting go of the need for perfection, we can focus on the journey and find joy in the process.

Ultimately, trial and error is not only a powerful tool for personal and professional growth, but also a way to spur innovation, find creative solutions, and push the boundaries of what’s possible. By being open to failure and embracing the learning process, we can unlock new avenues for success and discover unexpected breakthroughs.

What Happens When You Fail?

Failure is a natural part of the human existence, and most of the time we can bounce back from these minor setbacks. Unless you are a NASA scientist or a surgeon, you likely have some room for error! If a presentation is flat or your idea flops, it is usually possible to use these moments as learning experiences. Rather than viewing a failure as an excuse to give up, try reframing it as an opportunity—a chance to grow, learn, and rethink the road ahead.

When you adopt this type of “opportunity thinking,” you can start to see failures as stepping stones rather than roadblocks. Each misstep provides valuable feedback and a chance to refine your approach. By embracing this mindset, you can turn failures into fuel for growth and use them to propel you forward, rather than letting them hold you back. With a willingness to experiment and learn from your mistakes, you open the door to new discoveries and breakthroughs that may have been inaccessible had you played it safe.

When my coaching and speaking business was brand new, I was willing to take on all types of projects, clients, and assignments, even if I suspected they were not the best fit. This allowed me a chance to experiment, to figure out where I thrived and where I fell short. Furthermore, it gave me the opportunity to build my skills, gain experience, and better understand my ideal clients and offerings. While some of those early projects were not a perfect match, they provided invaluable lessons that ultimately helped me refine my business and find greater success. By embracing trial and error, I was able to iterate, improve, and discover new avenues for growth that may have remained hidden had I played it safe from the start.

Keep in mind, mistakes and missteps are not signs of weakness, but rather opportunities to learn and improve. When we approach life with a willingness to experiment and try new things, we cultivate a mindset of curiosity and resilience that can serve us well in all aspects of our lives. Instead of fearing the unknown, let’s approach it with curiosity and a willingness to experiment, secure in the knowledge that even our missteps can lead us to greater achievements.

MARGARET SMITH IS A CAREER COACH, AUTHOR, INSIGHTS® DISCOVERY (AND DEEPER DISCOVERY) LICENSED PRACTITIONER, AND FOUNDER OF UXL. SHE HOSTS WORKSHOPS FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED CAREER OR PERSONAL GUIDANCE. 
CHECK OUT MARGARET’S ONLINE LEADERSHIP COURSE. 

Tags: benefits of trial and error, embrace trial and error, let go of perfection, margaret smith career coach, Margaret Smith minneapolis, perfectionist tendencies