Ask for feedback—gold is mined.

When something feels hard — a math problem, a friendship that went sideways, or a drawing you want to fix — one of the best tools you can reach for is asking for feedback. Think of feedback like a treasure map. If you keep everything inside, you might miss where the gold is buried. If you ask someone who cares, they can point to the exact spot, show you where to dig, and sometimes give you a better shovel. I’ve watched kids turn scary mistakes into proud moments just by asking one question: “Can you tell me what worked and what didn’t?”

Feedback doesn’t mean you did something wrong; it means you’re ready to learn. Sometimes it comes as praise — that’s a gold nugget to keep. Sometimes it’s a suggestion — that’s a shiny seam of ore that can make your next try better. Try to ask people who know a bit about what you’re doing: a teacher for schoolwork, a coach for sports, a sibling for a project, or a friend for how you acted. If you’re nervous, start small. Say, “Can you help me get better at this?” or “What’s one thing I can do differently next time?” You don’t need fancy words. Simple questions bring clear answers.

When someone gives feedback, it can sting. That’s normal. Imagine getting a tiny scratch while climbing — the scratch tells you the rock was sharp so next time you’ll be more careful. Take a breath, listen, and try not to argue right away. You can thank the person and say you’ll think about it. If you don’t understand, ask for an example: “Can you show me what you mean?” or “What would that look like if I did it better?” That turns a vague comment into something you can actually practice.

Feedback becomes even more powerful when you use it. Keep a small notebook or a note on your phone with things people tell you that help. Pick one thing to practice before your next try. If your teacher says, “Write clearer sentences,” focus only on one rule — like starting each sentence with a strong subject — instead of trying to change everything at once. Celebrate little wins. You don’t have to be perfect; you’re mining gold slowly, one sparkle at a time.

Here are some short questions you can try when you ask for help: - What did I do well? What should I try differently next time?

Finally, remember you’re the captain of this treasure hunt. You decide whose advice to follow and which ideas to try. Some feedback will fit you right away, some won’t. The important part is being brave enough to ask, curious enough to listen, and patient enough to keep digging. Asking for feedback turns hard moments into learning moments, and that’s how real growth — the kind that feels like striking gold — happens.