My high school band director had a saying that has stuck with me through decades of life and learning:
“If you’re going to make a mistake, make it big enough so we can fix it.”
Creating something new—whether it’s music, writing, or an engaging lesson—is an act of courage. It’s tempting to play it safe, to stick to what’s tried and true. But growth lives on the edge of discomfort, when you commit fully, knowing it might not work out.
When mistakes are small, they’re easy to hide and ignore. But when they’re bold, obvious, and impossible to overlook, they become powerful learning tools. They point directly to where growth needs to happen.
Teachers, learners—don’t fear the wrong notes. Fear silence. Make your mistakes loud, clear, and brave. Then roll up your sleeves and fix them, publicly and proudly.
Because that’s where authentic learning begins.