The value of making mistakes

We are not born afraid of making mistakes. In early life, within a safe enough environment, a baby’s natural impulse is curiosity, and mistakes are simply part of the learning process. There is no self-judgment, no shame, no questioning of self-worth.

The fear of failing, disappointing others or not being enough, emerges later, when errors begin to be associated with disapproval, criticism, punishment or the loss of love, attention and belonging. Gradually, this fear settles in, leaving little room to explore, try, fail and try again.

Society and educational systems often reinforce this message: making mistakes means failing, and failing means not being enough. Over time, fear starts to guide choices, silence desires and delay important decisions. Not because we don’t know what we want, but because we fear the consequences of being wrong or stepping outside the “expected path”.

Developing a healthy relationship with mistakes is essential for psychological well-being and personal growth. Mistakes do not diminish our worth. They expand our experience, self-knowledge, freedom and confidence, allowing us to live more aligned with who we truly are.