The Verywell Mind Podcast How to Turn a Mistake Into a Valuable Life Lesson By Amy Morin, LCSW, Editor-in-Chief Published on October 22, 2021 Print Verywell / Julie Bang Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Friday Fix: Episode 115 More About the Podcast Every Friday on The Verywell Mind Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Amy Morin, LCSW, shares the “Friday Fix”—a short episode featuring a quick, actionable tip or exercise to help you manage a specific mental health issue or concern. Subscribe Now: Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Google Podcasts Friday Fix: Episode 115 We all make mistakes. Some mistakes are thinking errors—like assuming the reason your friend didn’t respond to a text message is because they’re mad at you. Other mistakes are emotional—like allowing yourself to stay stuck in a really angry mood. But most of the mistakes we talk about are behavioral—like saying hurtful things or drinking too much. No matter which type of mistake you make, each misstep is an opportunity to learn a valuable life lesson. But before you can learn a life lesson, you have to be willing to face your mistake head-on in a self-compassionate way. It’s tempting sometimes to minimize our mistakes. After all, thinking too much about how you messed up will cause you to feel bad. On the other hand, it can also be tempting to beat yourself up for a mistake. Harsh self-criticism, however, only makes things worse. On today’s episode of the Verywell Mind Podcast, I share how you can turn a mistake into a valuable life lesson. I discuss the three questions you should ask yourself when you make a mistake and the strategies that will ensure a mistake becomes an opportunity for growth. So whether you keep blowing your budget or you’ve entered into an unhealthy relationship, tune in to find out how to turn that mistake into a valuable life lesson. More About the Podcast The Verywell Mind Podcast is available across all streaming platforms. If you like the show, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. Reviews and ratings are a great way to encourage other people to listen and help them prioritize their mental health too. Links and Resources Follow Amy Morin on Instagram Check out Amy’s books on mental strength Watch Amy’s TEDx Talk The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong The Psychology Behind Motivation 6 Steps for Success in Life If You Liked This Episode You Might Also Like These Episodes: How to Choose Progress Over Perfection With Peloton Instructor Ally Love Friday Fix: How Radical Acceptance Can Reduce Your Suffering Friday Fix: How to Stop Repeating Your Mistakes By Amy Morin, LCSW, Editor-in-Chief Amy Morin, LCSW, is the Editor-in-Chief of Verywell Mind. She's also a licensed clinical social worker, psychotherapist, and international bestselling author. Her books, including "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do," have been translated into more than 40 languages. Her TEDx talk, "The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong," is one of the most viewed talks of all time. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit Speak to a Therapist Online Advertiser Disclosure × The offers that appear in this table are from partnerships from which Verywell Mind receives compensation.