Own your mistakes | Cristel Carrisi | TEDxZagreb

Facing Failure Without Shame

Cristel Carrisi discusses how to face failure without letting shame erase the effort and achievements that came before it. After spending seven years building a swimwear brand, she had to close the company. At first, she saw only the ending and worried about how others would judge her. Her accountant helped her recognize both the work she had done and the lessons she could take from the experience.

Three Guidelines for Owning a Failure

1. Be responsible. Acknowledge your part in what went wrong instead of reflexively blaming others. Look at the choices and circumstances that led to the outcome so you can learn from them.
2. Focus on yourself and your own journey. Don’t measure your life against other people’s—especially the polished, selective images shared on social media. Pay attention to the quality of your work and your progress.
3. Find balance. Recognize your effort and accomplishments without ignoring where you made mistakes. A fairer, more balanced view can bring clarity and help you identify what to learn.

Carrisi’s central message is that failure isn’t simply a verdict on your worth. Taking responsibility, putting it in perspective, and learning from it can help you move forward.

Presenter and Credits

• Presenter: Cristel Carrisi
• Translator: Sofia Ramundo
• Reviewer: Queenie Lee