“The Biggest Career Mistake I Made and What I Learned”

"The Biggest Career Mistake I Made and What I Learned"

I’ll never forget the biggest mistake I made in my career: not asking for feedback. Early on, I was so focused on doing my job well that I completely overlooked how I could improve. I assumed I was doing great—until my annual review hit, and I was blindsided by areas where I could have done better. I realized I’d been operating in a bubble, not seeking advice or constructive criticism. The lesson? Feedback is priceless. Once I started proactively asking for feedback, my performance improved drastically. I took the critiques seriously, worked on my weak spots, and sought mentorship. The results were incredible—I became more efficient, better at leading teams, and more sought after for promotions. The mistake wasn’t just not asking for feedback—it was assuming I didn’t need it. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that no matter how good you are, there’s always room to grow, and feedback is the fastest way to get there.