Learn Quickly from Mistakes
by Elie Eweka, Domain Investor | Author | CEO, Betterlife
When I sat down to write this, I wanted to find the perfect quote to set the tone. The one that kept coming to mind was: "Wisdom doesn’t always come with age; it comes from learning and reflecting on experiences." If you’re anything like me, for every success, you’ve probably encountered failure multiple times. Personally, I’ve failed at least seven times for every recorded success. Most of my mistakes stemmed from ignoring reason, not following instructions, or allowing my emotions to cloud my judgment.
But here’s the thing—I’d much rather learn from someone else’s mistakes than make my own. That’s why, when others fall short, whether intentionally or unintentionally, I don’t celebrate their missteps. Instead, I analyze them. And when it comes to running a nonprofit organization, a startup, or a domain investing business, there are three key ways you can turn other people’s mistakes into your advantage.
1. Study the Mistake
When I see someone make a mistake, I don’t just observe—I study it. Every mistake is a teaching opportunity, not only for the person who made it but for those affected by it. I ask myself:
By dissecting the mistake, I gain insight into the situation, which helps me avoid similar pitfalls in the future.
2. Extract the Lesson
The next step is to ask, “What can I learn from this mistake?”
If I am directly or indirectly affected by it, I try not to react based purely on emotion. That’s hard—no doubt—but stepping back and assessing the situation with a clear mind leads to better decisions. For example, if I register a domain name that conflicts with my personal beliefs, I don’t try to sell it to someone else. Instead, I delete it and move on. The lesson? Integrity matters more than profit.
3. Learn How Others Overcame Their Mistakes
One of the best ways to grow is by studying how others have overcome their failures. Take, for example, the American intelligence agencies before 9/11. A major problem was the lack of information-sharing between the CIA and FBI due to cultural differences, bureaucratic hurdles, and even competitive rivalry. The failure to collaborate had serious consequences. But in response, the agencies made adjustments, improving communication and coordination.
Similarly, I make it a point to learn how others have solved their problems so I can apply those solutions to my own life. Sometimes, sharing a problem with someone you trust is the first step to finding a solution. Accountability is powerful—it forces you to face your mistakes and take action.
Practical Advice for Different Fields
To my fellow domain investors: If things aren’t working, stop buying more domain names. Instead, take that $20 or $50 and invest in a book on domain investing or enroll in a DN Academy course.
To my fellow business owners: Step away from the computer and get out into the real world. Attend business events in your city, network with others, and learn from their experiences.
To my nonprofit founders: Don’t try to do everything yourself, especially tasks where you lack expertise. Instead, reach out to other founders or recruit volunteers with experience in areas where you’re struggling.
Final Thoughts
Some mistakes are avoidable, while others are not. Either way, mistakes present us all with an opportunity to learn. Wisdom comes from how we respond to them. Don’t let failures define you—let them refine you. Learn quickly, grow from experience, and keep moving forward. Your next success might just be one lesson away.