As a mom and project manager, failure is a familiar companion. Whether it’s a missed deadline at work or a parenting moment that didn’t go as planned, I’ve had my fair share of stumbles. But over time, I’ve come to realize something powerful: failure isn’t the enemy—it’s the teacher I didn’t know I needed.
Here’s how learning from failure has transformed not only how I lead at work but also how I navigate motherhood.
1. Embracing the Growth Mindset
For years, I thought failure was a reflection of my abilities. If a project fell apart, I’d take it as a sign that I wasn’t good enough. It wasn’t until I read about the growth mindset that I realized failure is just feedback—it’s a signal that something didn’t work, not that I didn’t work.
Now, I actively look for lessons in my mistakes. At work, if a project timeline slips, I don’t dwell on what went wrong for long. Instead, I ask, “What can I do differently next time?” At home, if bedtime turns into chaos, I think, “How can I make tomorrow smoother?”
My Takeaway: Every failure is an opportunity to learn. The only true failure is refusing to try again.
2. Letting Go of Perfection
Perfectionism used to be my default mode. I wanted every presentation to be flawless, every toddler meal to be balanced, every task on my to-do list checked off. But striving for perfection often left me paralyzed, afraid to start something if I couldn’t guarantee success.
When I embraced the idea that “done is better than perfect,” I freed myself from the impossible standards I’d set. A project at work doesn’t need 10 rounds of revisions to be impactful. Similarly, my son doesn’t need Pinterest-worthy crafts—he just needs my attention.
Lexa’s Reminder: Progress matters more than perfection, and imperfections often create the most memorable moments.
3. Building Resilience Through Failure
One of my biggest professional failures happened early in my career. I underestimated the complexity of a project, and when it fell apart, I was devastated. But that experience taught me how to anticipate challenges, plan better, and stay calm under pressure.
Similarly, in motherhood, there have been times when I’ve felt I wasn’t doing enough—like the morning I forgot to pack my son’s favorite snack for daycare. I beat myself up at first, but I quickly realized he didn’t care about the snack; he cared about me being there to pick him up with a smile.
My Lesson: Failure has a way of building resilience. Each time I bounce back, I’m stronger and more prepared for what’s ahead.
4. Modeling Resilience for My Son and Team
I’ve realized that how I handle failure sets an example for those around me. At work, when I own up to a mistake, it shows my team that it’s okay to take risks and learn from missteps. At home, when I apologize to my son after losing my temper, it teaches him the power of accountability and grace.
My Philosophy: It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being human. Showing vulnerability creates stronger connections with both colleagues and loved ones.
5. Celebrating the Wins, No Matter How Small
One of the unexpected gifts of failure is that it’s made me appreciate the victories—big and small—even more. Successfully delivering a project after a setback feels sweeter. And nailing a bedtime routine after a week of chaos? Pure gold.
These wins remind me that failure doesn’t define me; how I move forward does.
Final Thoughts
Failure is uncomfortable, but it’s also necessary. It’s taught me to be kinder to myself, more open to growth, and more resilient in the face of challenges. Whether I’m leading a meeting or comforting my son, I now know that mistakes aren’t the end of the road—they’re just stepping stones to becoming better.
What’s a failure that’s taught you something valuable? Let’s celebrate the lessons together—I’d love to hear your story.
Glow & Grow 
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