4 Things I Learned From Getting It Wrong

Let’s face it, getting it wrong can be SCARY. That fear often comes from the conditioning of our families of origin and of society in general. We’re so afraid of getting it wrong that we work our butts off trying NOT to make mistakes.  But we’re finally starting to acknowledge the value of getting it wrong (thank you, Brené Brown). But how can our mistakes help us find our dream job or, in my case, dream business? 

In a previous post, I mentioned how I kept changing jobs and switching business ideas. I was spinning in a circle and it drove me crazy, looking for the next job or the next great business idea.

BUT I also learned a lot from that process. And sometimes it’s necessary to be in that job change cycle or try a few things before you figure it out. Yes! Try a few things - and fail and learn along the way. 

Here’s what I learned from getting it “wrong”:

I learned more about how the internet actually works 

Ok, that might sound dumb because we all know how the internet works right? Well, when I started selling on Etsy, I thought if I made something beautiful and posted it, people would buy, and I’d eventually make loads of money. But I learned that a HUGE part of Etsy is SEO (Search Engine Optimization), which is basically using the right keywords so your customers can actually FIND your items. 

My (failed?) Etsy venture and my SEO learnings taught me that using the right words is essential to making connections with other humans. And that is foundational to much of the work I do now.

I figured out what I don’t like 

I got it wrong thinking that my creative hobbies - like sewing - would be the answer to my entrepreneurial dreams. I love sewing so it made sense (at the time) to design, sew, and sell upcycled mittens and hats. But guess what? I learned that I didn’t like sewing enough to make the same thing over and over.  

When I was a vendor at markets, I learned that I didn’t love selling products to people. I actually have some pretty strong minimalist tendencies. It didn’t feel right to hope people would keep buying stuff from me when I am careful about what I purchase. Selling products felt out of alignment with my values, but I wouldn’t have learned that if I hadn’t tried (and tried and tried) to sell products.

I figured out what I do like. 

While at those markets, the moments I loved the most were the conversations I was having and the connections I was making with people. It was great that customers loved my products and appreciated my creativity, but that was less important to me than the magical moments that happened while chatting.

Because I loved the one-on-one connection so much, it became really freaking obvious that starting a coaching business would be completely natural and joyful work for me.

A job can support you in many ways, even if it’s not your dream job 

My last role was the best job-job I’ve ever had. And yet I still wasn’t quite happy. I knew it wasn’t my career end-goal. But it provided a great salary, ample vacation, and it didn’t stress me out. Because of that role I was able to pay off debts, invest in a business coaching program and life coach training. That role has helped me build the foundation for my business.

Keep Trying

I’m here to encourage you. If you’re unhappy in your job, that’s ok. If you’re not yet sure what would make you happier, that’s ok too. 

If you’ve tried a few business ideas and haven’t found one that is quite right, keep going, keep trying new ideas. You’re learning about yourself with every step.

You may not know how it’s going to work out, but risk getting it wrong. What you’ll learn will serve you in the future. Then when it’s time for you to go in a different direction, you’ll be ready for it.

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P. S. My Intentional Career Change program is here!  I’m taking on three 1:1  clients this fall. Wondering if it might be right for you? Click here to book a complimentary call.