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Let’s be honest—running a business is messy. As business owners, we dream of smooth launches, perfect client relationships, and flawless execution. But if you’ve been in the game for any length of time, you know the reality: mistakes happen. And here’s the kicker—it’s not the mistake that defines you but how you respond to it.
In this blog post, I’m peeling back the curtain on why mistakes are actually your secret weapon as a business owner and sharing how to embrace them as the ultimate growth tool.
Mistakes Are Inevitable (and That’s a Good Thing!)
We all start out with big dreams and a blueprint for success. But let’s be real: no matter how much we plan, life loves to throw curveballs. The website launch that crashes, the email typo sent to 1,000 people, or the big client opportunity that falls flat—they sting. But guess what? These moments are inevitable.
Instead of resisting them, what if we flipped the script? What if we saw mistakes as part of the process, not proof that we’re failing?
Why Mistakes Are Pure Gold
They Build Resilience: Mistakes force us to adapt, pivot, and grow. The more you overcome, the stronger and more creative you become. Resilience isn’t built on easy wins—it’s forged in those “Oh no, what now?” moments.
They Teach Us Lessons We Can’t Learn Any Other Way: Every mistake holds a lesson you need for your next level of success. Didn’t communicate clearly with a client? Now you know how to improve your onboarding process. Missed a deadline? Now you have a reason to revamp your systems.
They Create REAL Connection: Ever notice how sharing your imperfect moments draws people closer? Nobody relates to perfection. Being vulnerable about your mistakes makes you relatable and builds trust.
How to Handle Mistakes Like a Pro
Here’s the good news: it’s not the mistake that matters—it’s how you handle it.
Pause and Reflect: Take a breath before you react. Mistakes can trigger an emotional response, but clarity comes when you give yourself space to reflect.
Own It: Transparency is key. Whether it’s with a client, your team, or yourself, acknowledge the mistake and take responsibility. People respect honesty far more than a cover-up.
Find the Lesson: Ask yourself: What can this teach me? What process, mindset, or system needs to change? Mistakes are breadcrumbs pointing you toward growth.
Move Forward (Without Shame)Let me say this louder for the people in the back: You are not your mistakes. Learn from them, implement the changes, and keep going. Shame serves no one—least of all you.
A Quick Story: My Favorite (and Cringiest) Mistake
The $35 Event That Taught Me My Worth (and How to Use a Calculator)...
Picture this: my first-ever event.
A full-day extravaganza packed with workshops, tools, and connection—all for the bargain price of $35. Why so cheap? Because I was terrified people wouldn’t show up if I charged more. (Spoiler alert: I forgot I wasn’t running a bake sale.)
The event was a hit! People raved: “This was amazing!” “I learned so much!” “You’re doing another one, right?” I was on cloud nine…until I did the math.
By the time I paid for the venue, materials, snacks (because obviously, snacks are non-negotiable), and all the prep hours, I realized I hadn’t just lost money—I’d basically paid people to come.
What I Learned (Besides How to Use Excel and not loose money...)
That event wasn’t a total loss. In fact, it taught me three game-changing lessons:
If you undervalue yourself, others will too. Charging $35 for an experience worth so much more? Rookie mistake.
Tally your numbers like your business depends on it—because it does. Math isn’t my strong suit, but I learned the hard way that a successful event needs to at least break even.
Failure is a stepping stone (and proof of concept!). The event proved people wanted what I was offering. Without that “failure,” I wouldn’t have the thriving business I have today.
So many lessons were learned by a failure that could have stopped me in my tracks.
And here's the thing: every mistake, big or small, has been a stepping stone toward growth.
Your Mistakes Are Your Magic
If you’re out there running your business and messing things up, guess what? You’re doing it right. Mistakes mean you’re trying, learning, and growing. They mean you’re in the arena, doing the work.
The most successful entrepreneurs aren’t the ones who avoid mistakes; they’re the ones who embrace them, learn from them, and use them to level up.
So, here’s my challenge for you: The next time you hit a snag, pause and ask, What is this mistake trying to teach me? Then dust yourself off, make the tweak, and keep going.
You’ve got this.
xx
Gina
P.S. What’s one mistake you’ve made recently that taught you something powerful? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear your story.
P.P.S. Listen to the Keeping It Real With Gina Keeping Podcast for an audio and more in depth version.
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