How to Make Better Mistakes
Jul 23, 2025
Not all mistakes are created equal.
As a mission-minded leader, you know risk comes with the territory. You’re building something that doesn’t exist yet. You’re stepping into uncharted waters, trying to multiply good in the world—and in that process, you’re going to mess up.
The question isn’t if you’ll make mistakes.
It’s what kind of mistakes you’re making.
Because some mistakes are part of the breakthrough.
And others? They’re holding you back.
Let’s break it down:
✅ Good Mistakes: The Fuel of Forward Motion
A good mistake is one you made because you were doing the right thing the best way you knew how. These are the signs that you’re in motion, on mission, and growing in maturity.
Here are 5 marks of a good mistake:
1. Good mistakes are the result of trying
You stepped out of the boat. You attempted something bold. Like Peter in Matthew 14—you may have sunk, but at least you walked on water first.
"If you’re not making mistakes, you’re not moving."
2. Good mistakes are assertive mistakes
They come from taking action. Forward motion. You’re pressing on like Paul said:
“I press on toward the goal…” – Philippians 3:14
They’re not passive fumbles. They’re bold leaps.
3. Good mistakes come from a heart of service
You were trying to help. To bless. Maybe you misread the room or went too far—but your heart was others-focused.
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition… rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3
4. Good mistakes are signs of stretching
These are “tuition mistakes.” You paid the price to grow your capacity.
“Though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again.” – Proverbs 24:16
5. Good mistakes are new mistakes
You’ve outgrown the old traps. You’re learning at a higher level.
“When I was a child, I talked like a child… but when I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.” – 1 Corinthians 13:11
BOTTOM LINE:
A good mistake shows you’re moving forward in purpose. Keep going.
❌ Bad Mistakes: The Drain on Your Destiny
Then there are bad mistakes—the kind that undermine your mission and your character. These usually come from avoiding the hard work of leadership.
Here are 5 signs you’re making a bad mistake:
1. Bad mistakes come from neglect
You knew what to do but didn’t do it. That’s not a growth moment—that’s disobedience.
“If anyone knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.” – James 4:17
2. Bad mistakes are passive
You didn’t speak up. Didn’t take responsibility. Like David in 2 Samuel 13—his silence after his daughter Tamar was violated had generational consequences.
3. Bad mistakes come from selfishness
Self-preservation. Ego. Fear. These are dangerous roots.
“Each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire…” – James 1:14
4. Bad mistakes avoid discomfort
You chose the easy way out. You said no to growth.
“No discipline seems pleasant at the time… but it produces a harvest of righteousness.” – Hebrews 12:11
5. Bad mistakes are repeated mistakes
You’ve seen this pattern before. And you’re still in it.
“As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly.” – Proverbs 26:11
BOTTOM LINE:
A bad mistake is evidence of drift, disobedience, or delay. Don’t ignore it—fix it.
So… What Kind of Mistakes Are You Making?
You’re not called to live mistake-free.
You’re called to lead with wisdom.
This week, take inventory:
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Are your mistakes coming from courage or comfort?
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Is your failure a step forward or a sign of drift?
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What are you learning and how can you grow from it?
🎯 Mission-minded leaders don’t fear failure.
They just aim to make better mistakes.
Ready to Get Clear on Your Next Bold Move?
If you're tired of second-guessing yourself or stuck repeating the same leadership patterns, I’m offering a few free 1-on-1 coaching call this month. It’s a zero-pressure conversation where we’ll clarify your vision, identify barriers, and map out your next step with confidence.
👉 Click here to request your free coaching call.
Or just shoot me a message that says “strategy” and I’ll follow up.
Let’s go make some good mistakes this week.
—
Gabe Kolstad
Your Leadership Coach
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