After two decades in UX research, I’ve learned that growth doesn’t come from perfect projects—it comes from the messy, uncomfortable moments that test your assumptions, challenge your confidence, and ultimately sharpen your craft. Every researcher has a few cringe-worthy stories. Decks that didn’t land. Findings that went nowhere. Conversations that could’ve been handled better.Here are the biggest mistakes I’ve made (and what they taught me about becoming not just a better