Is Your Mistake Actually a Miracle?
How many of us have made a mistake and instantly feared it would be the undoing of us? That sinking feeling… the panic, the self-doubt. We beat ourselves up and worry about the fallout.
But what if that so-called mistake was actually the beginning of a miracle?
I remember back in 2002 when I had to leave full-time work. I was terrified it would be the biggest mistake of my life. I’d never been unemployed — not once. Even when I first immigrated to Australia, I landed a job teaching swimming straight away. So, to suddenly step away from work was massive. But my health was suffering, and honestly, the support from my employer was almost non-existent.
That first six months was tough. I second-guessed myself constantly. I worried about my future, how I’d survive, and what work would look like moving forward.
But here’s the thing — leaving that job was the best decision I could’ve made. My health improved without the stress, and I went on to start the 24-Hour Mega Swim, which raised money to support people living with MS to follow their dreams. I ran that event for 20 years, expanding it across the eastern seaboard and raising $11 million in the process.
It was never a mistake. It was a miracle in disguise — one that’s still creating impact today.
So, when you feel like you’ve messed up or taken the wrong turn, try these:
1. Pause the Panic — Breathe Before You Judge
When fear rushes in, we tend to catastrophise. Instead, take a breath. Ask yourself: What’s actually happened here? Give yourself space to separate fear from fact — it can make all the difference.
2. Get Curious, Not Critical
Mistakes can be incredible teachers if we let them. Instead of blaming yourself, get curious. Ask: What can I learn? What might this open up? Curiosity helps shift the story from shame to growth.
3. Remember: This Isn’t the End of the Story
A mistake isn’t your final chapter — it’s just one page. Think back to times you thought you’d blown it, only to realise later that it led to something even better. Keep perspective — you’re still writing your story.
Sometimes, the detour becomes the destination and I should know as I’ve had lots of detours!
So next time you fear you've made a mistake… maybe pause and ask: What if this is the miracle I didn’t see coming?