Fail fast, learn faster.

Sometimes the scary part of trying something new isn’t the thing itself — it’s the idea that you might mess up. I’m not a doctor or a teacher here to grade you; I’m a mentor who has tripped, fallen, and laughed about it. “Fail fast, learn faster” is a way of saying it’s better to try lots of things, make mistakes, and pick up what helps you grow instead of waiting until everything feels perfect. When you try quickly, you find out what works sooner and you get to change the plan, not give up on the dream.

When things go wrong, your feelings are normal: disappointed, angry, embarrassed, maybe even relieved. Say those feelings out loud. Saying simple things helps your brain calm down and notice what to do next. Phrases like “It’s okay, I can try again,” “That taught me something,” or “One step at a time” are small but powerful. They remind you that mistakes are part of learning, not the end of the story. Try using them when you hit a snag on homework, during a game, or if you get into an argument with a friend. Saying them out loud makes your inner voice kinder and stronger.

Here are short, helpful phrases you can use any time you need courage or a quick reset: - “I tried. I learned.” “What can I try next?” “Mistakes are practice.” “I’m not perfect — yet.” “One small step.” “Help me understand this.” “I can change my plan.” “I’m proud I tried.”

After you say a phrase, try one small action. If a drawing didn’t turn out the way you wanted, try a different color or tool next time. If a test felt hard, pick one thing you didn’t understand and ask a friend or teacher about it. These little experiments teach you faster than worrying about how things should look. Keep notes — a quick list of what you tried and what happened — so you can remember the good changes and the funny mistakes. The faster you try again, the faster you learn what really works for you.

Remember, failing fast doesn’t mean rushing without thinking. It means being brave enough to try, paying attention when things don’t work, and trying a new way. Celebrate tiny wins: finishing a practice, asking for help, or simply sticking with something until you understand it better. Over time, saying simple phrases and taking tiny actions turns hard moments into stepping stones. I’m cheering for you — pick one phrase from the list, use it today, and see how much braver you feel tomorrow.