Sometimes What Doesn’t Work Out Is Your Best Teacher

Many High-Achievers Believe Failure Means They’ve Done Something Wrong

Many high-achieving women carry an unspoken belief that failure means something is broken—that they’ve miscalculated, fallen short, or simply weren’t good enough. When things don’t go as planned, their first instinct is to fix it quickly, push through, or quietly “do better next time.”

But what if failure isn’t a flaw in the process—what if it’s part of the process?

This question isn’t just theoretical. I was recently reminded of it firsthand when something I deeply cared about didn’t go the way I envisioned. It could’ve stopped me in my tracks. But instead, it became one of the most clarifying and creative moments of the year so far.

Here’s what happened—and how it led me to finally launch my first masterclass for high-achieving women.

A Simple Offer, A Bigger Intention

As a former architecture professional turned trauma-informed life coach, I’m deeply committed to supporting high-achieving women—especially those in architecture—who are navigating the pressures of career, caregiving, and internal expectations.

Earlier this year, I introduced myself in a Facebook group for mothers in architecture. I offered to lead a free masterclass focused on mental wellness and work-life balance, something I know many women in the field need but rarely prioritize.

I proposed topics like time and energy management, mindful leadership, and emotional resilience—tools I now teach through a trauma-informed, holistic lens.

Encouragement I Almost Missed

What I didn’t do, however, was check back in.

In truth, I was hesitant to look. I wasn’t sure how my offer would be received, and I wanted to protect myself from potential silence or rejection. So, I stepped away from the conversation.

Two months passed before I returned to the group to see how my post had landed.

To my surprise, there were likes and thoughtful comments. One woman wrote, “I’ve been looking for something like this!” Another said, “I’d love to hear more info.” Someone else asked to hear more about my transition from architecture to coaching.

Had I seen those responses earlier, I might have acted sooner. But I didn’t—because fear got the better of me. That realization was humbling. And motivating.

Moving Forward, With Clarity

Encouraged by the feedback, I officially scheduled the masterclass:

👉 Architect Your Ideal Life: Balance Career, Home & Personal Growth Without Burning Out
🗓 Monday, May 5 at 1PM ET

I created the registration link, crafted a thoughtful post, and shared it with the group—ready to offer something meaningful and supportive.

But the next day, I checked back… and the post was gone.

When the Post Disappears

It hadn’t been removed because of the content, but because I hadn’t followed the proper procedure. I hadn’t reached out to the group’s admins in advance, which violated the community guidelines.

My instinct was to feel discouraged. To pull back. But this time, I paused and reached out instead.

I messaged the admins, explained what had happened, apologized, and asked how I might share the invitation in a way that aligned with the group’s rules. One responded quickly and kindly, letting me know they’d discuss it and get back to me. I appreciated the grace—and waited.

“Usually a Wall Is Actually a New Opening”

When I shared this experience with my mentor, she replied with a simple reflection:
“Usually a wall is actually a new opening.”

That one sentence reframed everything.

Rather than seeing the situation as a setback, I saw it as redirection. And it opened up an entirely new wave of momentum.

I found another community, the Women Architects Collective, which allows members to promote events on a designated thread each month. I shared my invitation there. Next, I plan to follow up with individuals who had commented on my original post. I’ll also include the masterclass in my upcoming weekly email—after this blog is published. All of this because the original post didn’t go as planned.

The Hidden Gift in the Detour

This wasn’t the masterclass launch I envisioned—but it’s the one I needed.

It reminded me that fear of failure often delays action. That clarity sometimes comes through the detour. And that we don’t have to get everything right the first time in order to make a meaningful impact.

P.S. — For the High-Achieving Woman Who’s Quietly Burning Out

If you’re a high-achieving woman—especially in a demanding, creative, or caregiving role—and you’re feeling stretched thin, questioning your next steps, or simply ready for a different way to live and work, this masterclass is for you.

✨ Architect Your Ideal Life: Balance Career, Home & Personal Growth Without Burning Out
🗓 Monday, May 5 at 1PM ET (on Zoom)
👉 Register [HERE]

Let this be the moment you create space for yourself again.