Starting over after failure

It’s not easy to start over after failure.

When my last startup failed, it led to months of depression. I told myself I would never try building a business again.

The process of moving from that mindset to starting again took time and effort.

Here are a few key things that helped me.

Let go of the shame of failure

When my startup failed, I felt embarrassed and exposed.

Questions from friends about how it was going added to the weight of my disappointment.

I had to separate my identity from the outcome of the business. This meant accepting that my worth was not tied to success or failure.

Meditation was a helpful tool in this process—it gave me the space to reflect and approach my feelings with more objectivity.

Take a break

I did not jump into another project right away. Instead, I focused on other areas of my life.

I returned to my freelance design business and used the time to learn how to code.

Taking a break allowed me to reflect, gain new skills, and heal.

This period of distance gave me a better perspective on what had gone wrong and what I wanted to do next.

Do an honest assessment

After stepping away for a while, I took time to evaluate what went wrong with my startup.

This process was uncomfortable but necessary. I asked myself hard questions about the business, my decisions, and the gaps in my knowledge.

Seeking feedback from trusted friends and mentors helped me see blind spots I couldn’t identify on my own.

By being honest with myself, I was able to identify areas for improvement and create a plan for growth.

Realize your dreams are valid, even if the approach was flawed

Failure can make you question everything, including your original goals.

I realized that my desire to build something meaningful was still valid, even though my approach had not worked.

This shift in perspective helped me recommit to my goals while being open to unlearning the methods that had led to failure.

I acknowledged that there were better ways to approach building a business.

Adopting a growth mindset was critical here—I started viewing challenges as opportunities to learn and improve.

In closing

Starting again is not about rushing into something new. It’s about taking the time to process, reflect, and rebuild with intention.

By letting go of shame, giving yourself time, assessing honestly, and recommitting to your dreams, you can move forward.