Joy Maxwell

Inspired by John Maxwell’s book Sometimes You Win, Sometimes You Learn, this blog is here to help child care business owners see setbacks as stepping stones to growth. Maxwell’s insights on building a growth mindset can be a game-changer when it comes to handling the challenges of the child care industry. With daily demands, relationship-building, and unexpected obstacles, learning from both wins and losses isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.

These ten principles lay a solid foundation for personal and professional success, especially in the unique world of child care business ownership. Each one offers a practical tool to help you turn setbacks into growth and move forward with confidence.

Maxwell’s 10 Principles for Turning Setbacks into Growth

• Humility
• Reality
• Responsibility
• Improvement
• Hope
• Teachability
• Adversity
• Problems
• Bad Experiences
• Maturity

In this article, we’ll focus on five key areas: Humility, Problems, Teachability, Bad Experiences, and Hope. Each principle provides insights and tools to help you thrive, no matter what challenges come your way.

Humility — The Spirit of Learning

Humility is a powerful starting point when it comes to learning from setbacks. It’s what allows us to look at mistakes with an open heart and mind, ready to grow. When a challenge arises, consider asking yourself these questions:

• What went wrong?
• When did it go wrong?
• Why did it go wrong?
• How did I play a role in this situation?
• What can I learn from this experience?
• How can I use these insights moving forward?

Humility isn’t about beating yourself up; it’s about recognizing that there’s value in every experience. For child care business owners, being humble enough to share these lessons openly with your team can build trust and openness. This kind of transparency encourages others to see challenges as learning moments, too, making your team stronger as a whole.

Problems — Opportunities for Growth

Most people see problems as obstacles, but they’re actually opportunities to grow. In a child care setting, challenges—like handling unexpected staffing shortages, adjusting budgets, or managing a demanding client—can teach us a lot when approached with a growth mindset.

When a problem comes up, here are a few ways to think it through:

• Anticipate the Problem: Preparation is key. While you don’t want to worry, planning for potential challenges can help you stay ahead.
• Communicate Clearly: Often, the solution is rooted in communication. Share your concerns with your team—collaborating can lead to a quick resolution.
• Evaluate the Problem: Not every issue is worth major stress. Some are temporary, while others might need more attention. Ask yourself, “How much does this matter? Who’s involved? Have we dealt with this before?”

Problems are specific to the moment, not the end of the world. They’re stepping stones to a stronger, better business.

Teachability — Being Open to Learning

Being teachable is essential for growth, especially during setbacks. If you believe you already know everything, you’ll miss out on valuable lessons. A teachable attitude means keeping an open mind and being willing to learn from others.

Here are a few traits of a teachable person:

• They keep a positive attitude toward learning.
• They have a beginner’s mindset—always open to new ideas.
• They take a good look in the mirror and reflect on their actions.
• They welcome feedback and constructive criticism.
• They seek to learn something new every day.

For child care business owners, staying teachable might mean joining professional development events, connecting with other providers, or listening to feedback from your team and families. When tough times hit, ask yourself: What can I learn from this experience? Being open to learning, even in hard moments, will guide you through and help you prepare for future success.

Bad Experiences — Gaining Perspective

Not every experience will be a good one, but even the tough ones have something to teach us. Sometimes a bad experience, like a compliance issue or a tough conversation with a parent, can reveal gaps that need attention.

When you find yourself reflecting on a difficult experience, ask:

• Did I act out of lack of knowledge or experience?
• Did I avoid action when I should have stepped up?
• What can I learn here?

With the right mindset, these hard moments become gold mines of knowledge. Looking for the lesson in every experience can make all the difference.

Hope — Keeping a Positive Outlook

Hope is the fuel that keeps us moving forward, especially when things get tough. It helps us see beyond today’s setbacks, reminding us that there’s always room for improvement.

Hope encourages us to look for lessons, see opportunities in challenges, and focus on solutions. For child care business owners, hope can drive goal-setting and future planning. In moments of doubt, remember that hope says “yes” to growth, even when life isn’t perfect. It fills us with the energy to keep pushing forward.

The path of business ownership has its highs and lows, but every experience brings a chance to learn. By embracing humility, seeing problems as opportunities, staying teachable, learning from tough moments, and keeping hope alive, you’re on your way to turning every setback into a step toward growth and success.

Because sometimes you win, and sometimes you learn.