Written by Martha Maria Smith, Bilingual Coach
Martie Smith's Journey as a Resilience Ambassador began in Colombia and highlights her steadfast strength and adaptability, from her service in the US Air Force to becoming a Radiation Therapist and a certified personal trainer at 62. An internationally acclaimed author and poet Laureate, she mentors young individuals and shares her expertise.
Mistakes—those inevitable moments we all face—have a way of whispering doubts and insecurities into our hearts. They remind us of our imperfections and sometimes leave us questioning our worth. But what if, instead of seeing mistakes as evidence of failure, we chose to see them as lessons, opportunities, and the birthplace of resilience?
The truth is mistakes aren’t the end of the road; they’re markers on our journey to becoming stronger, wiser, and more compassionate with ourselves. As we prepare to step into a new year, let’s explore how to let go of harsh self-criticism and embrace the kind of self-growth that comes from resilience.
Understanding the difference
What is self-judging?
Self-judging is the gentle art of reflecting on our actions with curiosity and kindness. It’s about asking questions like:
What can I learn from this?
How can I do better next time?
It allows us to grow from our mistakes instead of being crushed by them. It’s the voice that says, “You’re not perfect, but you’re trying, and that’s enough.”
What is criticizing mistakes?
Criticism feels harsher. It’s the voice that says, “Why did you mess up again?” or “You’ll never be good enough.” It attaches our mistakes to our identity, making us feel small and undeserving.
The key difference lies in this: self-judging offers hope, while criticism creates doubt.
The role of resilience
Resilience is the lifeline that helps us rise after we stumble. It gives us the courage to face our mistakes and the strength to keep moving forward, even when it feels hard.
How resilience transforms mistakes
Encourages a growth mindset: Resilience shifts our perspective, helping us see mistakes as steppingstones, not roadblocks.
Reduces fear of failure: With resilience, we learn to take risks, knowing that mistakes are not permanent—they’re part of learning.
Builds emotional strength: Resilience helps us feel our disappointment and frustration without being consumed by them.
Fosters adaptability: Every mistake is a chance to adjust and grow stronger for whatever comes next.
Walking the line with compassion
It’s not always easy to find balance between self-judgment and criticism. Mistakes can stir up emotions that blur the line. But with intention and practice, we can lean into growth instead of doubt.
Practical steps to build resilience
Reframe your inner voice: When a mistake happens, ask yourself:
What can I learn? instead of, why am I like this?
What’s my next step? instead of, this is hopeless.
Separate actions from identity: Remind yourself: I made a mistake, but I am not a mistake. You are more than one moment.
Show yourself grace: If a friend came to you in a moment of doubt, you’d offer them encouragement, not criticism. Be that same friend to yourself.
Let go of perfectionism: Growth isn’t about being perfect—it’s about learning. Embrace your imperfections as part of the process.
Journal your lessons: Writing helps us process. Ask yourself:
What happened?
What did I learn?
How will I move forward?
Lean on your support system: Sometimes, hearing someone else’s perspective—whether from a loved one, a mentor, or a coach—can remind you that mistakes don’t define you.
Turning mistakes into momentum
Mistakes are part of the journey and unavoidable, but they don’t have to keep you from progress. They can be the very moments that shape you into a more resilient, capable version of yourself. This year, instead of hiding from your mistakes, embrace them. Let them teach you, refine you, and guide you toward growth.
A heartfelt call to action
As the New Year unfolds, take a moment to reflect on your journey—the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Commit to giving yourself the same grace and patience you give to those you care about. Start small:
Write down one mistake you’ve learned from and how it made you stronger.
Set a goal rooted in growth, not perfection.
Share your story with someone—it might inspire them to see their own mistakes differently.
Mistakes don’t define us—they mold us into who we’re meant to be. Step into this new season with courage, compassion, and resilience. Let every stumble be a reminder that you are growing, evolving, and becoming everything you’re meant to be. You’ve got this!
Read more from Martha Maria Smith
Martha Maria Smith, Bilingual Coach
Martie Smith's journey as a Resilience Ambassador began in Colombia and highlights her unwavering strength and adaptability. She exemplifies resilience from her service in the US Air Force to becoming a Radiation Therapist and certified personal trainer at 62. As an internationally acclaimed author and poet, Martie mentors young individuals, sharing her expertise and spreading messages of hope and resilience globally as a captivating speaker.
