Flipping the Script on Your Biggest “Fail” Moments
Have you ever poured your heart into something, only to have one unexpected hiccup threaten to derail it all? If you’ve ever been there, you’re not alone. This week on the Powerhouse Lawyers Podcast, I shared an experience that took me from frustration to a powerful lesson about resilience and reframing.
Picture this: The first Unleash Your Powerhouse Status Masterclass of 2025 was amazing. The audience was engaged, the content resonated, and the energy was magnetic. But after the session, I discovered a critical piece of the puzzle was missing—the video hadn’t recorded. My initial reaction? Panic. My gut response? “This ruined everything.” But then I paused, reframed, and uncovered invaluable lessons about setbacks, success, and systems.
Side note: the irony was not lost on me that I had just ended a training on reframing, mindset shifts, and moving forward when things don’t go as planned. You teach what you need! 😂
Here's what I from this (now laugh-worthy) experience:
Lesson 1: Your Reaction Shapes the Story
At first, I labeled the masterclass a failure because of the missing video. But then I stopped and asked, “What’s the bigger picture?” The audience gained breakthroughs, the content landed, and the energy was transformative. The truth? It wasn’t a failure at all.
Takeaway: When setbacks hit, pause and ask yourself: “What’s the actual story here?” Often, it’s far more positive than it feels in the moment.
Lesson 2: Celebrate What Went Right
Sure, the video didn’t record. But the audio did, and the feedback from the session was incredible. Focusing on what went right helped me shift from frustration to gratitude.
Takeaway: Shift your focus. Celebrate the wins, no matter how small, and let them fuel your momentum.
Lesson 3: Perfection Is Overrated
As lawyers and high achievers, we’re trained to aim for perfection, but that mindset can be a trap. This masterclass didn’t need to be perfect to be impactful—and neither do you.
Takeaway: Stop striving for flawless and start focusing on what truly matters—progress, connection, and impact.
Lesson 4: Reframe, Don’t Retreat
Reframing doesn’t mean ignoring the problem; it means choosing a perspective that serves you. I could have let the video mishap define the event, but instead, I used it as a learning opportunity.
Takeaway: When challenges arise, ask yourself, “What lesson is this teaching me? How can I grow from this?”
Lesson 5: Systems Are the Secret Sauce
This experience underscored the importance of having strong systems in place. Moving forward, my team and I implemented new checks to ensure this wouldn’t happen again. Systems aren’t just about efficiency—they create space for us to thrive.
Takeaway: What systems can you implement to make your life and work more sustainable?
Looking at the Bigger Picture
I share this experience not just to tell how I overcame a technical glitch. It’s about learning how (in real time; which is EMPOWERING) to turn setbacks into stepping stones. It’s about redefining how we, as powerhouse women in law, show up—imperfectly, authentically, and powerfully.
So, if you’re navigating challenges, juggling responsibilities, and striving for more without burning out, this episode is for you. It’s a reminder that we can hustle without hitting the wall, find balance amidst the chaos, and grow stronger with every lesson learned.
Tune In for the Full Story
Want to hear more about how to reframe setbacks, build systems, and thrive in the legal profession? 🎙 Listen to the full episode of the Powerhouse Lawyers Podcast!
Let’s embrace the messy, the unexpected, and the imperfect—and show up as the powerhouse lawyers we were meant to be. 💪✨
About the Author: Erin Gerner is a lawyer turned coach, entrepreneur, and host of the Powerhouse Lawyers podcast. She helps female lawyers step into their power, break through limiting beliefs, and build lives they can’t wait to wake up for. Learn more about her coaching programs and schedule an obligation free strategy call, connect with her here.
