Failure as feedback: learning lessons to build messy success
Failing forward through pausing, reflecting and adjusting action
The following post is part of a Seed Pod collaboration about failure. Seed Pods are a SmallStack community project designed to help smaller publications lift each other up by publishing and cross-promoting around a common theme. We’re helping each other plant the seeds for growth!
I’ve been thinking a lot about failure over the last few weeks. Regular readers will know that I’m hoping to become a full-time solopreneur by the end of the year.
Usually, that target feels inspiring and achievable. Especially when I’m delivering value – leading workshops, guiding meditations, coaching clients to reach their goals.
I feel excited and energised when I see the positive impact my work has on others. I leave sessions with a smile on my face, raring to get started on the next big thing.
I also get satisfaction from incremental progress towards my goal: gaining my coaching certification, building my website, completing modules of my mindfulness teacher training. Every step brings me closer to going all-in on my business.
Hi, I’m Holly - certified coach, Breathworks mindfulness facilitator and author of Zestful Zen. My mission is helping you to lead a more mindful, meaningful life, full of zest and energy, complemented by a calm, zen mind. Join the supportive Zestful Zen community today. 💖✨ 1
Celebrating Substack
Growing my Substack community has been a joy, building connections with readers and other writers in this kind, encouraging, supportive space.
There’s been little milestones to celebrate along the way - all the firsts: my first 1, 100, 200 subscribers (thank you for reading Zestful Zen!) Writing 100+ Substack posts.
When I look back on my journey since July 2024, I can see how far I’ve come here.
Solopreneur setbacks
But then there are the times that reality slaps me in the face.
With only 2 weeks left in the UK tax year, I’ve made zero revenue. Meanwhile, I’ve pumped thousands of pounds into my business for start-up costs and all my training.
I know these investments will pay off in time, but on days when I’m exhausted from my 9-5, the doubts creep in. Am I crazy? Can I really make a living doing what I love?
Failure as feedback
Rather than getting overwhelmed by my setbacks, I’m focusing on specifics, viewing my failures as feedback: opportunities to learn lessons and adjust my strategy.
So, what have I learned? Here’s three “failure as feedback” examples:
Failure #1: Gaining paid subscribers
To celebrate my 100th Substack post, I offered a limited-time discount on paid subscriptions, promoting via email and Notes. Zero uptake of the offer.
Lessons
My messaging didn’t communicate the value that the paid subscription offers. Instead of telling readers what resources they will get access to, I need to explain the benefit to them: how these resources will make a difference to their lives.
I should ask for feedback: reach out to my most engaged readers to understand what they’re looking for from a paid subscription.
Patience is important. Substack is a slow burn for many of us and building genuine connections takes time and investment.
Failure #2: Selling coaching and mindfulness services
I offer coaching sessions and mindfulness courses, advertised on my website. But it either isn’t reaching people or isn’t converting them into customers.
Lessons
The human connection builds trust: I need to get out there, networking and meeting people, both online and in-person (easier when I move back to London). Substack is helping, but I need to engage more and start collaborating.
Like with my paid subscriber offer, I need better messaging to convert interest into sign-ups. And I should try a launch campaign when I have the bandwidth.
I’ve got to learn about SEO and driving website traffic. Add that to my study list!
Giving to get: Delivering successful workshops in my workplace leads to requests for more. I could offer free workshops to prospective clients to demonstrate value.
Failure #3: Building and engaging an online audience
I struggle to keep up with different digital channels and build an audience. I’ve barely any Instagram or LinkedIn followers as I don’t post consistently, and my Substack followers aren’t converting into subscribers. And none of these channels are generating clients or revenue.
Lessons
Self-compassion is paramount. While it’s frustrating to make slow progress, I need to be realistic about my bandwidth while still doing a stressful full-time job.
I could scale back the channels (drop Instagram?) or find hacks for reposting or repurposing across them all. Counterintuitively, I could also try new channels like Pinterest that might be better at driving traffic to my website.
I probably need to think more strategically about Notes or just accept that followers may never convert to subscribers, and that’s okay.
I need to reflect on my content: the messaging, the value it offers, whether it builds trust and demonstrates the benefits of working with me.
Embracing my beginner’s mind
Looking at failure as feedback reminds me that I’m a beginner at all this.
Yes, I’ve got big goals and I know I’m capable of achieving them. But I’ve also got heaps to figure out, especially on marketing and sales.
So it’s natural that I’ll make mistakes and face slow progress at times. Focusing on my vision, investing in my learning, and cutting myself some slack is the way to go.
I’m going to double down on my marketing studies, keep flexing my Hype Yourself muscles à la and have patience on this journey.
It might take longer than I hoped, but I’m confident that I’ll get there in the end, if I act on the feedback my failures offer.
Questions for self-reflection or journalling ✍️
How/when can you reframe failure as feedback?
When has failure led you to iterate and adjust, leading to success?
When do you need to pause and seek feedback?
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learnt from failure?
Now take action 🎯
Identify a current or recent failure in your life.
Take a step back and think about what feedback it offers you.
Decide how to adjust your approach and what steps to take.
Consider whether you need support or resources to help you move forward.
Take action with kindness and compassion towards yourself: mistakes are lessons.
Share your perspective ✨
I’d love to hear your reflections on failure as feedback. What have you learned from mistakes you’ve made? Let’s have a conversation in the comments or subscriber chat. 💬
Want to see more posts from this Seed Pod or join in on the fun? Head over to our roundup to learn more!
How I can help you 💪
Wellbeing resources, personal growth tips & inspiration: subscribe to Zestful Zen.
Career and life coaching to overcome obstacles and achieve your personal goals.
Upgrade to Momentum Membership for a 60 minute 1-to-1 coaching session.
Mindfulness courses: build mind-body connection, lower stress, be more present.
Connect with me: Subscriber chat 💬 website 🔗 LinkedIn 🖇️ Instagram 📸 email 📧
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Disclosure: To support my solopreneurship dreams, posts may contain affiliate links, where I get a small commission at no cost to you. I only share items I genuinely believe you’ll enjoy.