Oops! I Did It Again: How to Learn from your Failures

Let’s face it: failure is like that friend who keeps showing up uninvited at your party. As much as you might try to ignore them, they’re there. Only this one is reminding you that the entrepreneurial journey isn’t always a walk in the park. 

Our founder, Shelley, knows this all too well—running not one, but two startups during the pandemic was like juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle. Spoiler alert: it didn’t always go as planned!

Between the cash flow crisis, a newborn, and trying to navigate the ever-shifting business landscape, Shelley learned that without a solid plan - and too many balls in the air (I guess we’re going with the circus theme!) - things can get a bit... chaotic. Picture this: it’s 3 AM, the baby has been rocked back to sleep, and you just realised you forgot to post your socials for the week. And did you turn the lights off? Yup, that’s when the "you-know-what" hits the fan! But hey, every setback is a setup for a comeback, right? 

So, let’s dive into some friendly—and slightly tongue-in-cheek—strategies to turn your failures into opportunities (because hey, if you don’t laugh your way through business, sometimes you’ll just cry!)

1. Embrace a Growth Mindset (And a Sense of Humor)  

Failure can feel like a slap in the face, but don’t take it too seriously! 

Instead of wallowing in self-pity, look at it as a learning opportunity. Ask yourself: What went wrong? What can I learn from my spectacular flop? This mindset helps you see failures as valuable experiences instead of just embarrassing stories to tell at parties.

2. Conduct a Post-Mortem Analysis (Without the Gory Details)  

Understanding why something failed is key, but you don’t need a crime scene investigation to figure it out! Shelley’s thoughts:

"I’ve realised that taking a moment to reflect on what went wrong is really important. It’s also more than okay to feel bad about it and recognise that it was a tough spot. But I can’t let myself stay stuck in that feeling. I’ve got to learn from it and keep moving forward—determined not to make the same mistake again!"

So, grab a comfy chair, a cup of coffee (or glass of vino), and dissect the situation like it’s your favourite mystery novel. What went wrong? Did you forget to check your market research, or did you assume your grandma would buy 500 of your new product? Use these insights to make better decisions next time. 

3. Pivot with Purpose (Or Just Dance Like No One’s Watching)  

When your strategy goes south, it’s time to - just like Ross says - “Pivooot!”

Use failure as a sign that it’s time for a dance break—maybe you need to change your business model or target market. Just make sure your new groove aligns with your overall vision. 

4. Leverage Feedback (Because Everyone’s a Critic)  

Feedback can feel like a double-edged sword, but embrace it like a compliment from your favourite celebrity. 

Ask your customers, mentors, and team for their thoughts. Yes, it might sting a little—like when you accidentally step on a Lego—but those insights can help you refine your product or service. 

5. Build Resilience and Persistence (Flex it Like a Muscle)  

Failure is the ultimate test of your resilience. 

It’s easy to feel discouraged, especially when it feels like the universe is conspiring against you. But maintain that positive attitude! Surround yourself with supportive friends, family, or even your dog—because let’s be honest, they’re always there for you. Keep your eyes on the prize and remember, even the best of us have had their fair share of rejections.

6. Implement Fail-Fast Strategies (The Speedy Gonzalez Approach)  

Waiting too long to identify issues can lead to even bigger disasters. 

Adopt a fail-fast approach by testing ideas quickly. This lets you spot problems before they turn into full-blown catastrophes. Think of it as a fire drill: you’d rather know the exits before the smoke starts pouring in!

7. Celebrate the Learnings (With Gin + Cake!)  

Finally, don’t forget to throw a mini-party for yourself when you learn something from failure! 

Acknowledge your progress and the insights gained from those pesky setbacks. Celebrate your achievements—even if that means treating yourself to a slice of cake and a Netflix binge session. 

So, here’s the deal: failure isn’t the end; it’s just part of the journey. 

By embracing a growth mindset, analysing your flops, pivoting with purpose, leveraging feedback, building resilience, adopting fail-fast strategies, and celebrating your learnings, you can turn those pesky oops moments into opportunities for growth.

And remember, if you’re not leading your business, who will? Embrace your role as a leader, keep smiling through the chaos, and let’s turn those challenges into triumphs!