Why mistakes are important

Hey,

Have you ever looked back on something you labeled as a mistake and realised it was the best thing that could’ve happened to you?

Here’s the thing: mistakes aren’t failures—they’re life’s most underrated teachers. They push you to grow, force you to learn, and often lead to breakthroughs you never saw coming.

Take inspiration from decisions like- I lived credit card to credit card trying to live in Bombay as a 24 yo; I signed a lease for an apartment I couldn’t afford for the comfort, travelled abroad with all my savings and even lost my first iPhone which I bought with my first internship stipend money.

Every single one of those decisions came with a side of stress, a sprinkle of doubt, and a mountain of lessons. What I realised is that mistakes don’t start as mistakes—they start as risks. And if that risk doesn’t push you into discomfort, you’re probably not learning enough.

Here’s why “mistakes” work wonders:

1. Growth Happens Outside the Bowl

Ever heard of goldfish? They grow to fit the size of their tank. If they stay in a small bowl, their growth is stunted. The same applies to us. Comfort zones keep us stuck; mistakes expand the boundaries of what’s possible.

If I didn’t move to Bombay, I wouldn’t have bagged my LinkedIn stint.

2. Time is Elastic

Parkinson’s Law says work expands to fill the time you give it. When you take a big leap—one that feels impossible—you force yourself to act faster, smarter, and with laser focus.

If I didn’t lose my first iPhone, I wouldn’t have worked harder & smarter to get my next one the same year.

3. The Flip Side of Failure

There’s this universal truth: when things get so bad, they often flip into something good. Pain pushes you to find joy. Challenges sharpen your creativity. Dumb risks can turn into insightful decisions.

I never regretted any of my travels; they taught me how to live within my means; while chasing my dreams- something that is helping me immensely in my entrepreneurship journey right now.

So, what can you do to embrace this pattern?

1. Get Real About What You Don’t Want

Be brutally honest with yourself about the life you don’t want to live. Let that discomfort light a fire under you.

The lease I couldn’t afford? It came just before COVID which meant I was very comfortable with extra space to work & workout from.

2. Take the Leap

Do something “stupid.” Make the bold decision you’ve been overthinking. The sink-or-swim moment will teach you more than any plan ever could.

I decided to move to a new city & live independently twice in my life. Was it hard both times? Yes. Did I regret it? Not the slightest bit.

3. Build and Learn Like Crazy

Use the stress, the pressure, and the stakes to your advantage. Channel them into focus. Study, adapt, and grow faster than you thought possible.

Mistakes aren’t setbacks; they’re strategies in disguise. They teach you resilience, courage, and how to truly play the long game.

Your Weekly Challenge: Take the Risk This week, challenge yourself to take one calculated risk—a step that feels uncomfortable but necessary. You might just stumble into the growth you’ve been waiting for.

Last Chance: Join January’s LaunchPad

If you're ready to level up and turn your risks into tangible success, now’s your moment. LaunchPad by Creator Chart is open for this month’s intake till Jan 24th.

This is your chance to learn, build, and grow alongside a community of professional creators who know what it takes to make bold moves.

Don't miss out—this is your last chance to join this month’s cohort!

Always learning & growing,

Tanya