# Make mistakes once

By [Mickey Mellen](https://paragraph.com/@mickey-mellen) · 2024-05-27

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[**Make mistakes once**](https://www.mickmel.com/make-mistakes-once/)

Making mistakes can be [a fantastic way to learn](https://www.mickmel.com/make-more-mistakes/), even if you [sometimes make them intentionally](https://www.mickmel.com/intentional-mistakes-can-help/). Given that they’re a way to learn, though, repeatedly making the same one isn’t going to be very effective.

In [a conversation last year](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/seth-godin-solutions-you-need-to-lead-in-the-post/id1092751338?i=1000614850398) with Donald Miller, Seth Godin said something to the effect of:

> _“Encourage people to make mistakes, but also make sure you learn from them. Make mistakes once, but don’t make them twice.”_

Giving people the freedom to make mistakes is an awesome thing, and I encourage it. Particularly if the decision to be made is [a two-way door](https://www.mickmel.com/is-your-decision-a-one-way-door-or-a-two-way-door/), the freedom to try things and potentially make mistakes is worthwhile.

Just don’t make them twice.

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*Originally published on [Mickey Mellen](https://paragraph.com/@mickey-mellen/make-mistakes-once)*