As professionals, we’ve all had those moments where a mistake hits and suddenly, self-doubt rushes in. Maybe you pushed out some code that broke the build, or missed something important in your design. The gut reaction? “I’m just bad at this.” But here’s the truth: there’s a big difference between “I did something bad” and “I am bad.”

When we say, “I did something bad,” we separate ourselves from the error. It reminds us that mistakes happen—they don’t define us. In fact, they’re the best teachers, often the only true path to real growth. This mindset creates space for learning. You acknowledge the mistake without letting it take over your self-worth. Mistakes are inevitable in any career, and embracing them as opportunities to get better is what will set you apart as someone strong and resilient.

Now, when you go down the “I am bad” path, that’s where things get tricky. It can start a spiral of shame that’s hard to break out of. Instead of learning from the experience, you get caught in a loop of negative self-talk, which not only stalls personal growth but can lead to burnout. Brené Brown, who is one of my absolute favorite authors and speakers nails it with this: “Shame cannot survive being spoken.” The moment we talk about our mistakes, that shame loses its grip. And usually, you’ll find you’re not alone—others have been through it too.

Recognizing “I did something wrong” instead of “I am wrong” gives you the room to improve. Rather than drowning in self-criticism, you focus on solutions and moving forward. It’s about giving yourself grace and remembering that even the most experienced people screw up. The key is to learn from those times, not let them define you. Trust me, my own list of mistakes is long, but I love looking back to see how far I’ve come. Each one has helped me level up, and I’m excited for the next mistake because that means that I am trying new things and it’s just another step in getting better.

So, next time you hit a rough patch, take a breath, own the mistake, and remind yourself: “I did something bad,” not “I am bad.” If you find yourself caught in that shame spiral, reach out to someone, talk about it, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly the shame lifts and how clearly the way forward comes into view. Growth isn’t about being perfect—it’s about how we handle the hard moments.