Outgrowing Your Limits: Thriving Through Change and Failure

In the first episode of Thriving Changes, Amber Wishart shared her remarkable transformation from working as an independent stylist to owning a salon collective, a venture that empowers other stylists to gain independence in their careers. Throughout the interview, Amber's wisdom shed light on the importance of embracing the unknown, asking the right questions, and learning from failure.

In life and business, we’re constantly faced with challenges that push us out of our comfort zones. Whether it's venturing into a new career path, starting a business, or making a significant life change, uncertainty often looms large. The ability to embrace that uncertainty - and the inevitable stumbles that come with it - is crucial to long-term success.

In this article, we’ll explore key principles that will help you navigate the unknown, learn from failure, ask for what you need, and cultivate the resilience necessary to thrive through change.

Thriving through change begins with embracing a few essential principles.

1. Embrace the Unknown: The Power of Stepping into Uncertainty

This idea of being comfortable in the unknown is at the heart of growth. It’s natural to want to feel prepared, but often the greatest opportunities come when we step into situations where we don't have all the answers. Being comfortable with the unknown is a fundamental skill in both personal and professional development.

When we are paralyzed by the need to have everything figured out, we miss out on the opportunity to learn, evolve, and grow. Instead of seeing uncertainty as a barrier, shift your perspective and view it as a space of potential. Every unfamiliar situation is a chance to stretch your limits and discover new capabilities.

Practical Tips:

• Start before you’re ready: Stop waiting for the "perfect" moment. Begin the project, apply for the job, or make the change. You’ll learn much more by taking action than by waiting for every detail to fall into place.

• Be open to new experiences: Try activities or challenges that are outside of your usual routine. By regularly stepping into new territory, you'll become more comfortable with uncertainty and better able to handle the unknown.

• Reframe failure: See each setback not as an endpoint, but as part of the learning process. What you don’t know right now doesn’t define your potential - it simply highlights the areas where you have room to grow.

2. Asking for What You Want: Learning to Advocate for Yourself

One key to success in life is knowing how to advocate for yourself. Whether in a career, relationship, or personal goal, being able to ask for what you want is critical. Too often, people shy away from expressing their needs out of fear of rejection. But if you never ask, the answer is always "no."

The truth is, you won't always get what you want on the first try, and that's okay. A "no" doesn’t define your worth, nor should it be the end of your efforts. Instead, see it as a signpost directing you toward another path or a new approach. The key is to remain persistent, learn from the feedback, and adjust your approach.

Practical Tips:

• Practice asking: Start with smaller requests in your daily life to build your confidence. Whether it’s negotiating a price, asking for help, or requesting a favor, begin advocating for yourself in manageable ways.

• Handle rejection with resilience: When you hear “no,” take time to reflect. Why didn’t it work out? Was there something you could have done differently? Use this information to improve your strategy and try again.

• Be clear about what you want: Whether you’re negotiating at work or seeking support in a relationship, clarity is key. Be specific in your requests, and don’t be afraid to explain why it matters to you.

3. Learning From Your Stumbles: The Importance of Reflection and Resilience

We don’t have to be perfect to make progress. Many people are so afraid of stumbling that they don’t even begin. The truth is, failure is a natural part of any learning curve, and it’s crucial to embrace the imperfections along the way.

The most successful people in any field aren’t those who avoid failure but those who use it as a tool for growth. They reflect on their experiences, identify what went wrong, and make the necessary changes to pivot in a new direction.

Practical Tips:

• Create a reflection routine: Set aside time each week or month to reflect on your actions and decisions. What went well? What didn’t? This practice can help you identify patterns and learn from both successes and failures.

• Be kind to yourself: Mistakes are a natural part of the learning process. Rather than beating yourself up for failing, focus on what you can learn and how you can apply that knowledge moving forward.

Adjust and try again: Once you've reflected on your mistakes, make a plan to pivot. Whether it's tweaking your strategy, seeking additional help, or approaching the situation from a new angle, use your stumbles as stepping stones to success.

You don’t have to do it alone.

Reach out, ask for help.

4. Set Limits: Avoid Overcommitting and Burning Out

Ambition is essential to success but so is knowing your limits. It’s easy to take on too much in the pursuit of growth, but overcommitting can lead to burnout and hinder long-term success. It’s easy to overextend yourself when you’re passionate about what you do, but pushing too far too fast can lead to burnout, financial strain, or even failure.

The key is to balance ambition with practicality. Growing in a sustainable, strategic way allows you to build something lasting and meaningful without overwhelming yourself.

Practical Tips:

• Assess your bandwidth: Before taking on a new project or commitment, ask yourself if you have the time, energy, and resources to do it well. If the answer is no, either adjust your approach or say no altogether.

• Plan for growth: Have a long-term vision for where you want to be, but break that down into manageable, short-term goals. Focus on steady, incremental progress rather than trying to leap too far ahead.

• Know when to ask for help: When you feel overwhelmed, it's important to seek support. Surround yourself with a strong team or network that can help you carry the load when necessary.

5. Always Be Learning: The Importance of Curiosity and Asking Questions

Success is not a destination but a continuous journey of learning and growth. No matter how much you know or how far you've come, there is always more to discover. Asking questions not only helps you understand your field better, but it also opens doors to new opportunities and connections. Don’t be afraid to admit when you don’t know something - instead, embrace that opportunity to learn.

Practical Tips:

• Adopt a learning mindset: Approach every situation with the mindset that there is always something new to learn. Be open to knowledge from unexpected sources.

• Seek mentors: Surround yourself with people who know more than you and can help you grow. Asking questions of those who have walked the path before you can fast-track your development.

• Be proactive: Don’t wait for knowledge to come to you. Seek out books, podcasts, courses, or industry events that will expose you to new ideas and practices.

6. Surround Yourself with the Right People: Building a Supportive Network

Success is not a solo journey. The people you surround yourself with have a profound impact on your growth. It’s crucial to build a network of individuals who inspire you, challenge you, and support your development. Whether it's mentors, colleagues, or friends, having the right people in your corner can make all the difference.

One of the most effective ways to learn and grow is by surrounding yourself with people who have already achieved what you're striving for. Their experiences, insights, and support can help guide you on your journey and provide valuable advice as you navigate your own challenges.

Practical Steps:

• Identify your tribe: Take stock of the people in your life. Are they supporting your growth, or holding you back? Seek out individuals who have achieved what you aspire to and invest in those relationships.

• Join professional networks: Whether it’s online communities, local meetups, or industry conferences, find spaces where you can connect with like-minded people who will help you grow.

• Be a resource to others: Don’t just focus on what others can give you; offer your own support and knowledge to those around you. Building reciprocal relationships strengthens your network and positions you as a valuable part of the community.

7. Trust the Process: Everything Leads You Somewhere

One of the most important lessons in personal growth is learning to trust the journey. Every experience, even the difficult ones, has value. The challenges you face and the mistakes you make all contribute to shaping who you are and where you're headed.

Instead of dwelling on setbacks or missed opportunities, focus on what you can learn from each experience. Trust that everything you go through is leading you toward where you're meant to be and stay patient with the process.

Practical Tips:

• Practice gratitude: Take time to reflect on your journey and recognize the value in every step, even the hard ones. Gratitude helps shift your focus from what’s going wrong to what’s going right.

• Keep the big picture in mind: When you're faced with a challenge, remind yourself of your long-term goals. Each setback is just one piece of a larger puzzle, and staying focused on the bigger picture can help you keep going.

• Be patient with yourself: Growth takes time. Be kind and patient with yourself as you navigate new experiences and challenges. Remember that every step forward, no matter how small, is progress.

Conclusion

To thrive in life and business, you must embrace uncertainty, learn from failure, and cultivate resilience. By stepping into the unknown, asking for what you want, reflecting on your stumbles, setting limits, continuously learning, building a supportive network, and trusting the process, you can overcome obstacles and grow in meaningful ways.

Amber’s story reminds us that thriving isn’t about avoiding change or failure—it’s about learning to pivot, persist, and embrace the growth that comes with every step.