Learning from Mistakes
Listen to the Summary
I want to start today’s lecture by saying that making mistakes is not the end of the world—it’s how we grow. In fact, one of my favorite sayings is that you sometimes have to learn the hard way to really understand something. When I look back on the times I failed, I realize those experiences taught me more than any success ever did. The important thing is not to give up when things don’t go as planned. Instead, take time to figure out what went wrong and how you can do better next time. Earlier, one of you made an excellent point about preparation—I think you really hit the nail on the head there. Success isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress and perspective. Remember, the goal isn’t to avoid mistakes—it’s to use them to become stronger thinkers and problem solvers.
Friend’s Text Message
Hello. I have a favor to ask. I missed class today. What did the professor talk about in the lecture? I heard she mentioned learning from mistakes—what examples did she use? And what did she mean when she said someone “hit the nail on the head”?
Student Writing Tasks
Write a text reply to your friend’s message.
Use clear, polite sentences.
Summarize what the professor said in your own words.
Use in Your Daily Life
What do the following idioms and phrasal verbs mean in these everyday sentences?
I really had to learn the hard way after spending all my savings on something I didn’t need.
When I look back on my first job, I realize how much I’ve improved since then.
It took me a while to figure out how to use the new app, but now it’s easy.
You really hit the nail on the head when you said that communication solves most problems.
