When You Feel Like a Failure - Listen to This!

My Biggest Mistake (And What It Taught Me)

I’ve felt like a failure more times than I can count — and I’m not talking about the cute, “oops I spilled coffee” kind. I’m talking about those deep-in-your-core moments where nothing you do seems to line up with what you expected of yourself… or what others expected of you. If I’m being honest, I’ve worn myself out trying to meet standards that weren’t even mine to begin with. I’m the queen of pushing too hard, too fast, for too long.

But the biggest mistake I’ve made so far? It wasn’t burning out. It wasn’t even building the wrong kind of business. It was realizing that the dream I had — the thing I was pouring my heart and energy into — was being built on sand. Not solid ground. Not truth. Just expectations, performance, and fear.

That was a heavy realization.

Worse still, I had to admit to myself that the version of the dream I was chasing was based more on falsehood than faith. And while I still love business and believe it can be beautiful and impactful, I knew I couldn’t keep talking about something I didn’t fully understand or believe in anymore. I couldn’t fake it. I needed something real.

So I prayed. And spiraled a little (okay, a lot). And then God brought something to mind that had been on my heart for years but that I had always brushed aside.

A podcast.

(And no, I wasn’t immediately sold. I had a solid list of reasons why it didn’t make sense.)

But I couldn’t shake the idea. Because deep down — at the core of who I am — I’ve always wanted to encourage people. Especially girls like you. I picture you when I’m sitting in my cozy little corner with my blanket and tea. I imagine what you’re going through, what you need to hear, and what no one ever told me when I was in your shoes. And I think, “Okay. If no one else is saying it, then I will.”

The Heart Behind This New Direction

That’s what the Unshaken podcast is all about. It’s a space where we talk honestly about things like depression, anxiety, and identity — especially the things that don’t always get brought up in church circles. It's faith-centered, but real. Messy, but grounded.

My hope is that this podcast becomes a place where you can laugh, cry, grow, and hear the truth — even when life feels uncertain. Because life is uncertain. But our foundation doesn’t have to be. We can stand firm on the truth of God's promises in Scripture.

So whether it’s through sharing what I’ve learned the hard way, diving into Scripture, or telling you some hilarious story that makes you feel like you’re not alone in your awkwardness — I want you to walk away a little more unshaken than before.

When You Feel Like a Failure

Here’s something I wish someone had told me a long time ago: feeling like a failure doesn’t mean you are one.

But if you don’t understand who you are — really are — you’ll stay stuck in that feeling. You’ll crumble under every mistake, every missed opportunity, every “not good enough” voice in your head.

So what do you do when you feel like a failure?

• Focus on what’s actually true. What does God say about you? What does Scripture say about your identity? The next time you make a mistake, ask yourself: will this make God love me less? Will this make my family/friends love me less?

• Rely on positives over negatives. Start tracking wins instead of only noticing where you fell short. Focus on what went right first, then check back in a little bit to learn what went wrong.

• Talk about it out loud. With a trusted friend, a mentor, or even just journaling. Don’t carry it all silently. You are not alone!

We’ll talk more about things like self-worth and self-love in future episodes, but for now just know this: you’re not too far gone, too broken, or too late. Failure might knock the wind out of you, but it doesn’t get to write your ending.

Final Thoughts

So yes — I’ve made mistakes. Big ones. I’ve built things on sand. I’ve believed lies. I’ve chased dreams that weren’t rooted in truth.

But here’s what I know now: God doesn’t waste any of it. And sometimes it takes everything falling apart to realize what should’ve been built differently from the start.

If you’re in that place today — questioning your direction, doubting your worth, or wondering how you got so off-track — you’re not alone. I’m right there with you. And this podcast, this blog, this space? It’s for you. Let’s walk this out together.

Because you were never meant to do it alone.