Track failures to find learning opportunities.

Reframing failure as learning enables more experimentation through learned resilience.rB5

  1. Log failures: Periodically write short descriptions of mistakes.
  2. Categorize the failures: Screwup (simple mistake), weakness (recurring mistake that’s hard to improve), or growth opportunity (preventable with learning).
  3. Identify insights: Look for insights, especially to adjust for learning opportunities.

Applied continuous improvement. Journaling aids improvement.



  1. William Burnett and David J. Evans, Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life, First edition (New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2016). (See notes.)