A few days ago, I found myself replaying some of my past failures. You know, those moments that make you cringe even years later. Some are too embarrassing to share here, but I’ll let you in on a few highlights:

* When I was 14, I volunteered to lead a group at summer camp. It felt like a big deal at the time, but my group came second… from the back. We narrowly avoided last place.

* The time I joined a charity I deeply believed in, only to step down because life got overwhelming. I felt like I was letting everyone down.

* The jobs I lost early in my career—whether fired or made redundant—each one felt like a punch to the gut.

* Singing at a university talent show and discovering later that the person recording my performance added unsolicited, snarky commentary like, “She’s singing too fast.”

* The many projects I’ve started but never quite finished.

* Moving to Brazil for a semester and ending up walking 30 minutes under São Paulo’s scorching sun because I couldn’t communicate well enough in Portuguese to ask a bus driver a simple question.

Each of these moments stung. Some still do. As I type this, I can feel the heat of secondhand embarrassment creeping in.

At first, reflecting on these memories tempted me to throw myself a pity party. Theme? “Why can’t I ever get things right?” The playlist would feature my greatest hits of “almosts” and “not quites,” and I’d invite all my self-doubt to the dance floor.

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But then, I remembered a quote that brought my pity party plans to a screeching halt:

“A master has failed more times than a beginner has tried.”

That simple sentence flipped the script. What if these “failures” weren’t proof of my shortcomings but evidence of growth? As I revisited those memories with fresh eyes, I saw them differently. Let me explain:

1. The Summer Camp Leader Who Nearly Came Last

At 14, most group leaders were older—16 to 21 years old. The fact that I even volunteered was unusual. And while we didn’t win, our group bonded in a way that others didn’t. Everyone felt heard and seen, and we had a great time. Fun fact: many of us still keep in touch today. Nobody remembers our rank, but the friendships endure.

2. The Charity Chapter That Closed Early

Even though I had to step away, I contributed in meaningful ways while I was there. I used my skills to amplify the cause and helped bring in new supporters. That experience also taught me a lot about running a registered charity—lessons I’ve carried forward. Sometimes, it’s not about how long you stay but what you do while you’re there.

3. The Early Career Setbacks

Getting fired felt awful, especially when foul play was involved. But looking back, I realise it was God's mercy at work, though I couldn't see it at the time. Each dismissal was a turning point that propelled me to better opportunities. My income increased with each new role. I had exposure to different kinds of people in the workplace which built my tolerance, understanding and my ability to manage different personalities at work and outside of work. It wasn’t fun, but it was formative.

4. The Nervous Singer on Stage

Singing at that talent show wasn’t about impressing anyone; it was about pushing myself out of my comfort zone. I realized that while I’d encouraged friends to take risks, I hadn’t done the same for myself. That was my last opportunity to do as an undergraduate. It was nerve-wracking, yes, but it was also empowering. Every stage experience since then has felt easier because I dared to try.

5. The Unfinished Projects

Not every project needs to be completed. Some teach you skills or serve as stepping stones; others reveal what you’re truly passionate about. I’ve learned to finish what matters and let go of what doesn’t serve me anymore.

6. The São Paulo Sunburn

Traveling to Brazil alone was an adventure in itself. It was my first time there. I didn’t know anyone, but I navigated a new country, learned more than enough Portuguese to get by, and gained invaluable lessons in resilience. I also made great friendships that I still nurture today. That sweltering walk? It made me learn how to ask bus drivers the questions I needed to avoid similar situations in future.

These experiences remind me that failure isn’t a dead end—it’s a detour. Each stumble has helped me build resilience, sharpen skills, and grow in ways I couldn’t have anticipated. I’m far from being a master, but I’m no longer a beginner either.

So, the next time you’re tempted to beat yourself up over a misstep, remember this: every master or expert was once in your shoes. The only difference is they kept trying.

Keep going. Every attempt, every stumble, every cringe-worthy moment is a step closer to mastery.

By the way, here's a book recommendation of someone who made a similar realisation when reflecting on the failures of his life:

📘 How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big: Kind of the Story of My Life [Affiliate Link]

What's your take on this? Do you take things on even if you know there's a risk of failing? Are there things that you have failed at but learned a lot from the process let me know in the comments. I'd love to hear your perspective.

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About the author

Hi 👋, I'm Ore Araba. I am an entrepreneur, voiceover artist and data analyst. I share stories about my experience being an entrepreneur, creator and someone living life on the unbeaten track. I'm hoping sharing the things I learn on my journey will help other people on their journeys. Subscribe to my newsletter - Ore's Gist to be notified when there's new gist to hear about.

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