How to Turn Your Superpower and Failures into Career Growth
How to Turn Your Superpower and Failures into Career Growth
We all need a little guidance sometimes, whether it’s career advice, life tips, or just someone to help us navigate the chaos.
Growing up as the eldest sibling, I didn’t have anyone older to turn to for life advice. So think of this as a big sister note, sharing the lessons I’ve picked up along the way, especially the ones that no one really tells you.
1. What feels "annoying" might be your superpower
Here’s a piece of advice that might sound a bit unusual:
“What others might find annoying about you is actually your superpower, your hidden strength.”
What used to get me in trouble for “talking too much” at school? That same energy is now my superpower. I’ve delivered keynote speeches and presentations for global brands, including SAP, where clear communication and confidence are essential.
My advice? Lean into that passion, embrace it fully, and trust that the rewards, both personal and professional, will follow.
Before I turned 30, I’d checked off almost everything on my bucket list. But when I reflect now, I realise the real growth came from fully embracing who I am. It’s not about fitting into a mold, it’s about honouring what makes you uniquely you.
2. Failure isn't the end, it's proof you tried
Failure, just like success, is part of the process. It’s the bravery to take risks, put yourself out there, and try something new.
Some even say:
If you haven’t failed yet, you might not be trying hard enough.
Every failure I’ve experienced has been a lesson, a stepping stone that led me to where I am today. It’s pushed me to learn faster, adapt better, and grow stronger.
We often view failure as negative, but the truth is, it's necessary for growth. It teaches us what works and what doesn’t, and that helps us improve.
You can also check out my TEDx talk on how failure comes before resilience here:
3. Your 20s are for exploring and your 30s are for aligning
In my 20s, I tried everything from launching my own podcast to testing different content formats on Instagram. Not everything landed. One video flopped with 200 views; another went viral with 20K. But that process of trial and error taught me something crucial: experimentation is how you find your voice.
Now, in my 30s, I’ve gained clarity and confidence. This is the phase where you stop seeking approval and start trusting yourself. It’s when you refine your skills and align your life with your values and vision.
That same mindset shaped my approach to thought leadership. Over the past six months, I’ve tested different types of content, some worked, some didn't, and I recently shared those results in a LinkedIn post. From Workfluencer Wednesdays to business travel lessons, these experiments led to real opportunities like international workshops, keynote speaking, and brand collaborations.
You can also check out my series ‘Small Things I Did in My 20s to Get Ahead in My Career’ on LMF NETWORK (Like Minded Females) for more practical tips and reflections.
Takeaway
You don’t need to rush. The clarity, confidence, and community you’re looking for? It’ll come, through lived experiences and trusting your own pace.
Focus on your strengths. Learn from the setbacks. Let life unfold.
Key Piece of Advice
Embrace your quirks, celebrate your failures, and keep growing. Those are the very things that make you unique, and that’s exactly what the world needs.
Remember, every experience, both the highs and the lows, is shaping the future you are building. That’s what leads to long-term success.
So What?
If you’re feeling the pressure to be perfect or have everything figured out, know this: It’s okay to be a work in progress.
It’s not about reaching the destination as fast as possible. It’s about enjoying the journey and trusting that you’re exactly where you need to be.
Keep learning. Keep showing up. Keep believing that things are aligning just as they should.
Sonya Barlow is an award-winning entrepreneur, presenter and author with over 100K followers. She hosts her self-titled YouTube show "The Sonya Barlow Show", authored the business book "Unprepared to Entrepreneur" and runs a business inclusion consultancy and careers app, the "LMF Network". You can work with Sonya for campaigns, content and conversation. Connect via email 📩 - Hello@SonyaBarlow.Co.Uk.