How do you feel about failure? In fact, what is your relationship with failure like? Maybe you have never considered it, or maybe you immediately know the answer. Either way, I would argue that failure is not the worst thing you can experience. In fact, it can actually be really positive in some instances. If you are
someone who is actively pursuing their goals and dreams, you will know by now, that things do not always go to plan … in fact, they rarely do, and that is okay.
The certainty when failure happens is that there must have been effort exhibited. It means you tried, and that is positive. If you take a test and failed, it’s better than sitting around and never having tried taking it at all. So if you, like me, have experienced failure in some way in the pursuit of your 2022 goals so far, you are definitely not alone. Whether you missed a deadline, are completely off track or have not stayed consistent, failure is part of the success package.
Failing can propel you forward or pull you back depending on how you respond to it, and as it is often found on the pathway to success I would suggest it’s important that a conscious decision is made as to how to respond to failure.
You may already have a clear strategy on ‘failing forward’ but if you want to add a few considerations or do not have a strategy in place, this is a good place to start. Failing forward can, if we invite it, provide the following:
- An opportunity to learn. Learning is such a fundamental part of life for those desiring growth, success and achievement. Whilst learning can be formal and planned, it can also be informal and spontaneous. If you have ever heard me speak or deliver a workshop I often share teachable moments, to draw attention to a real-time opportunity to learn. So when something goes wrong or fails, you can ask yourself what have I learnt? Learnt about myself, others, the process, the strategy etc. etc. Asking ourselves what have we learnt when failure happens is a positive way to reframe the situation.
- An opportunity to congratulate yourself on your effort. Literally, when you fail at something, as mentioned earlier, it shows that you made the effort and tried. Do you know how many people allow the fear of failure to paralyse them into doing absolutely nothing? But when you try and it does not work out, this is the time to affirm your efforts, your attempts and your determination. This may also help you to have the confidence to make another attempt and not remain defeated.
- Lastly, failure is an opportunity to reflect on whether there is full alignment. Full alignment with
the task, goal and timing. Sometimes the outcome of failure demonstrates that some aspect is out of alignment. Maybe this was not the right time, or maybe the goal does not reflect your current values or priorities. Whichever way failure could be an indicator that the goal or action step needs some adjustment.
Remember failure is not final and as we progress through quarter two, can I encourage you to remain intentional with how you respond to failure and choose to ‘fail forward’, it will bring you closer to achieving that goal.
Francesca McDowall