Wisdom from a Fortune Cookie: Succeeding via Obstacles and Failures
Sometimes, wisdom comes wrapped in unexpected packaging–like a fortune cookie. Recently, my friend Alan Wikler, Psy.D., came across one with a simple yet profound message:
“Most success springs from an obstacle or failure.”
As an aside, I've always thought cookies and thoughts are more accurately called “advice cookies,” but regardless of the name, I love the sentiment.
This message resonates deeply with the principles of continuous improvement and learning from mistakes, ideas that are central to my work and writing. Success is rarely a straight, predictable line. Instead, it's often shaped by the challenges we face and the lessons we learn when things don't go as planned. What initially feels like a setback can turn out to be the foundation for some of the most innovative breakthroughs or meaningful personal growth.
In my podcast, My Favorite Mistake, I've been privileged to hear countless stories from guests who turned failures into stepping stones for success. These stories have also inspired much of my latest book, The Mistakes That Make Us: Cultivating a Culture of Learning and Innovation. Time and again, I've seen that when people and organizations embrace mistakes as opportunities to reflect and adapt, they create the conditions for remarkable improvement.
The key is shifting our mindset to see mistakes not as something to be feared but as essential learning moments. By creating a culture that values learning over perfection, we foster Psychological Safety and encourage people to speak up, experiment, and grow. This approach doesn't just apply to organizations–it can transform our personal lives, too.
I often think about the famous Toyota principle, “No problem is a problem.” If we're not seeing problems, or if we're not comfortable acknowledging them, we miss out on opportunities for growth. Similarly, the best leaders I've worked with know that when team members feel safe to share mistakes, they unlock the power of continuous improvement.
So, I'll pose this question to you: What obstacles or failures have sparked your greatest successes? I'd love to hear your stories in the comments or on LinkedIn. Together, let's continue to build a community that learns, grows, and innovates–one mistake at a time.
Let's Talk (and Work!)
If you're inspired to create a culture in your organization that embraces learning from mistakes, values continuous improvement, and fosters Psychological Safety, let's talk.
I've worked with leaders and organizations across industries to cultivate these principles, helping teams turn obstacles into opportunities and mistakes into meaningful progress. Whether you're looking to engage your executives, empower your frontline staff, or align your entire organization around a culture of improvement, I'd love to help.
Reach out to me directly at this link, and let's explore how we can work together to build a stronger, more innovative organization.
Make it safe to learn from mistakes
In The Mistakes That Make Us: Cultivating a Culture of Learning and Innovation, I share stories and practical steps for leaders who want people to admit mistakes, learn from them, and prevent them from happening again. It received the 2025 Shingo Publication Award.
