Overcoming failure: Why mistakes are part of success in tech
Failure is essential for growth in tech. Learn how mistakes drive innovation, build resilience, and foster problem-solving in roles like cyber security, software development, and AI.
Failure is often viewed as a concept to fear and avoid at all costs. We spend our lives trying not to succumb to it and we feel wracked with shame when we meet it. However, as you’ll know if you’re working in the tech industry, failure isn’t just inevitable, it’s essential. For people in tech roles from cyber to software development to AI, welcoming failure with open arms can unlock incredible opportunities for growth and success.
Let’s explore why mistakes are an integral part of success in the tech industry and how to reframe failures as learning experiences. By changing the way you look at a perceived failure, you’ll be empowered to see failure not as an end, but as a strong starting point.
Written by
Polly is a Marketing Executive at Learning People, bringing extensive expertise in professional training and career development, including in-demand fields like data, tech, cyber security, cloud computing, project management, and business skills.
Foundation innovation
Tech giants like Google and Microsoft didn’t rise to success without making significant mistakes along the way. These companies are prime examples of how failure drives innovation. From Google Glass to Amazon’s Fire Phone, some of their most notable “failures” are celebrated internally as invaluable experiments that informed better decisions later down the line. These stories prove that failure, when handled strategically, can lead to groundbreaking progress.
In the tech field, the pace of development requires a trial-and-error approach. No product or process is perfect from the start. Developers write and rewrite code, cyber security specialists test and patch vulnerabilities. Each iteration builds on what came before, with mistakes highlighting areas for improvement. Without failures to identify flaws and inefficiencies, meaningful progress would stall.
Why tech pros must welcome failure
For people in the tech sector, overcoming fear of failure is critical. Here’s why:
Steep learning curve
Whether you're a Data Analyst or a UX Designer, tech requires ongoing learning. No one starts as an expert, and mistakes are part of mastering any new skill or tool. The first time you try something new in your professional life, it may fail. And that’s fine. Failure is proof that you’re challenging yourself and growing.
Problem-solving
At its heart, the tech industry is about solving problems. To succeed, you need to experiment and troubleshoot, processes that inherently involve mistakes.
Adaptability
Tech evolves quickly. The frameworks and tools that are in demand today might be forgotten about in a few years. Being adaptable means getting comfortable with transition periods, which often means learning through trial and error.
Resilience
Unfortunately, we all face setbacks. It could be a failed product launch or a buggy app, or a cyberattack that exposed vulnerabilities, resilience is what separates those who thrive in tech from those who falter.
Reframing failure
Failure is an inevitable part of growth, but how you approach it can be a game-changer. Instead of giving setbacks the power to hold you back, reframing failure can help you grow. Here’s how:
First, separate the mistake from your identity. A mistake doesn’t define who you are, it’s just an outcome that didn’t go as you’d hoped it would. By viewing failure as an external occurrence, you can approach it with a more objective perspective and use it as a learning tool rather than a reflection of your worth or ability. This mindset shift allows you to focus on improvement rather than dwelling on self-blame, which is rarely worthwhile.
Next, ask the right questions when things don’t go as expected. Consider questions like: What went wrong? Why? What can I do differently next time? These sorts of questions give you the control over the potential of your failure to create actionable insights, equipping you to navigate future challenges more effectively.
Finally, don’t forget to celebrate small wins alongside failures. Even when the outcome isn’t perfect, there’ll be moments of success within the process. Acknowledging these little achievements not only boosts morale but also reinforces the idea that every step, no matter how small, contributes to growth.
By reframing failure, you empower yourself to see setbacks as steps to success.
Mistakes to opportunities
Learning from failure is one thing but actively using it as a springboard for success is another. Here’s how to turn mistakes into opportunities:
Keep a note of your lessons
Keep a journal or log of what you’ve learned from past mistakes. This will remind you of things you may otherwise forget, helping you to avoid repeating errors.
Seek feedback
Don’t go it alone if you don’t have to! Share your challenges with mentors or your team. Often, others can spot solutions or offer perspectives you hadn’t considered.
Experiment without fear
Whether you’re building an app or managing a tech project, give yourself leeway to experiment. Innovation thrives when you take risks and explore uncharted territory.
Ready to embrace failure as a stepping stone to success? Explore our career-changing tech courses and gain the skills to turn setbacks into breakthroughs. Take the first step today.