Failure is an option
No one likes to fail. It sucks. It doesn’t feel good. Failure hurts. It means, at that moment, that we weren’t good enough. However, is failure a bad thing? Is it something we should fear, or something we should embrace? Though failure can be something that crushes us, it can also be something that inspires us into the future. I’ve heard people say: “Failure is not an option.” That it’s not an option for them on their road to success. However, I’d argue that failure is not only an option, but it is required on the road to success. Here are 3 things I’ve learned about failure.
- ) If you aren’t failing you aren’t trying hard enough.
If we truly want to push the envelope of our potential, failure is inevitable. It would be wonderful if we could grow and get better without failure, but that isn’t the case. Successful people fail all the time, and I’d argue its why they are successful. They learn from each failure and get better because of it. Great baseball players are a prime example of this. They fail often, but they keep learning and keep pushing to get better. They aren’t afraid to fail, and because of that they can have success. Failure is proof that you are working hard on the road to success.
2.) Fear of Failure limits our potential
If we are afraid to fail and afraid to push ourselves we will limit the potential in our lives. Honestly, it’s why I’ve started writing this blog and am almost done writing a book. It scares the hell out of me sometimes. Fear of rejection, fear of failure, fear of not being liked are all reasons to not do it. However, they aren’t good enough reasons not to try. If we are playing it safe in this world we are doing nothing. This world deserves each and every one of us to strive to reach our potential. Most of the time I think we underestimate what that potential may be. There is more in you than you realize, you just have to be willing to take the risk and do something.
3.) Fail Forward Fast
Failure, however, can be debilitating if we allow it to be. We have to learn to Fail Forward Fast. Every time we fail is a time to go back to the drawing board and figure out why. Then it’s time to keep moving. If we allow failure to keep us from going forward quickly, we may give up. So the process is Fail, Keep Moving Forward, and do it quickly. If we can keep working in a positive direction in our lives in the face of adversity, we have a chance to learn from our failures and let them be what propels us to success. Failure is scary, as are taking risks, but those who do have a chance to reach a potential that many just dream of.
So today, when fear creeps in and you’re unsure if you should start something. Unsure if it’s worth it or if you’re good enough. Start anyway. Yes, failure will be there. It’s inevitable, but know that those that fail are more successful than those who never start. Be courageous.
