RR. I Messed Up, I Made a Mistake, Now What?

What do you say to yourself when you make a mistake? For many of us, one wrong answer, awkward conversation, or disappointing performance can turn into a harsh verdict about who we are. John Ortberg offers a different response, borrowed from conductor Benjamin Zander: “How fascinating!”

Through stories about music, tutoring, Eugene Peterson, and the disciple Peter, John explores how a growth mindset helps us approach mistakes with curiosity and a willingness to learn. Instead of constantly asking, “How do I look?” we can begin asking, “What can I learn?” That shift changes how we respond to challenges, setbacks, criticism, and other people’s success.

At the heart of this teaching is Romans 8:1: there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. When your worth is secure, you have room to develop your abilities, receive feedback, and try again. Discover a practical way to interrupt self-condemnation, grow through your mistakes, and extend that same grace to others.

Try this today: When you make a mistake, pause and say, “How fascinating!” Then ask what you can learn and what your next faithful step might be.

Find more teaching and daily practices at Become New.

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Music Credits:
Welcome to the World by Sarah Watson
License# MB01XUUTGU633PL


0:00 What to Say When You Make a Mistake
0:18 Benjamin Zander and the Nervous Cellist
1:02 “How Fascinating!”
1:34 Living Without Condemnation
2:31 Mistakes and the Learning Zone
3:18 A Disciple Is a Learner
3:39 Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset
4:49 “How Do I Look?” vs. “What Can I Learn?”
5:55 Your Worth Is Already Established
6:48 Responding to Challenges, Setbacks, and Criticism
7:55 Eugene Peterson’s Rejected Manuscript
8:46 What Peter’s Mistakes Can Teach Us
9:25 Your Practice for Today