Well, y’all, summer has been off to quite an introspective start for me. Ever since January, I’ve found myself on an endless journey of learning something new, trying something new, and repeating that over and over. But as of late, it’s top of my mind. What am I doing wrong? How could I do this thing differently or more efficiently? Is this still important to me? Maybe you’ve found yourself in the same place—whether it’s starting a business, navigating a relationship, changing careers, or simply trying to master a sweet cream-cold-foam at home (I still haven’t figured this one out). Either way, you’ve been closely acquainted with the process of trial and error.
We don’t necessarily look it as ‘trial and error’ though. A lot of times we are just ‘figuring it out,’ ‘making progress,’ or ‘just trying something.’ But at its core, trial and error is learning by doing—testing, failing, adjusting and trying again.
Why Trial and Error Matters
Life doesn’t come with a manual, unfortunately. We simply walk into most of our opportunities and challenges with no clear instruction – we lean on our own intuition, lived experiences, the internet (lol), other people and the willingness to keep going. It’s a mindset. What usually frustrates me is when even after trying something repeatedly (with small tweaks) it still doesn’t yield optimal results. I’m reminded, dead in my tracks that perfection isn’t realistic. It forces me to remember that progress is built on attempts—successful or not.
My Lessons from the Trials (and the Errors)
- Mistakes are data – every ‘failed’ attempt or negative outcome I’ve experienced has taught me something.
- Experience is necessary – I can use an AI app, watch a thousand TikTok videos (I don’t have TikTok), one hundred YouTube videos, or read several books but until I personally connect I may never truly know.
- It builds resilience –when it’s important and I want it to work or see results, the possibility of failing doesn’t scare me as much (depending on what it is of course). I become more willing to try –even if I’m frustrated.
- Finding what works feeds individuality – Advice, information, tutorials etc are useful, but what works for someone else’s body, goals, and timing is unique.
- Enforces creativity – all the countless tweaks, pivots and do-overs each contribute to my success of figuring it out. It causes me to think up new methods, think outside the box and get creative.
Give Yourself Permission
In this era that encourages microwavable results, it feels acceptable to give up before you begin or to be afraid to get it wrong. But, if it matters to you, you likely will get it wrong time and time again. Whether you’re trying something new or trying to make it through this season of your life more meaningfully—let trial and error be your process to get there. It will teach you (and me) and remind you (and me) that failing forward is still forward. It’s rarely a straight line.
Stay the course…even if you’re in a lull or funk…even if you’re tired and frustrated.
To learn more, check out the book “Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance” by Angela Duckworth .
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