The Blog

Let’s talk about something that’s probably crossed all our minds at one time or another: failure. It’s a topic that can spark a mix of emotions, fear, anxiety, embarrassment, but it’s one of those things that, oddly enough, should come with a big old congratulatory ribbon. Why? Because if you’ve failed, then you’ve tried something. And you know what? That’s often more than most people can say.

The Nature of Failure

Let’s break this down. Failure is often viewed as this big, scary monster lurking in the shadows, waiting to pounce on anyone brave enough to put themselves out there. We’ve all been raised with stories of triumph, of the “overcoming adversity” type; the “never give up” speeches are everywhere, and we’ve all been told that failure is the worst thing that can happen. But here’s the kicker: failure is not just a part of life; it’s a fundamental part of the growth process.

When you start something, it could be a new job, a side hustle, or even a new hobby, the chances of nailing it perfectly on the first go are slim to none. But that’s perfectly okay! In fact, the reality is that most people are so afraid of failing that they don’t even try. They sit on the sidelines, dreaming big but never making those dreams a reality. And that’s where you come in.

Embracing the Journey

When you embrace the idea that failing is part of the journey, you begin to open doors for yourself, the doors of exploration, creativity, and growth. Failure teaches you so many essential life lessons that success can’t. It’s like having a personal coach that helps you navigate the tough parts, and believe me, you’re going to need it if you want to make your dreams come true.

Imagine you’re taking a cooking class. The first few meals you prepare are probably going to be a disaster, right? You might burn the pasta, oversalt the soup, or make pancakes that resemble more of a science experiment gone wrong than breakfast. But with every dish that doesn’t turn out quite right, you’re learning. You learn what flavours work together, the importance of timing, and how to follow a recipe (or creatively stray from it!). Eventually, you’re whipping up meals that leave your dinner guests speechless.

That’s what failure does, it inches you closer and closer to success, little by little. Each misstep is just a stepping stone towards getting it right.

Fear of Failure: The Real Monster

Fear is a nasty little four letter word that keeps us from doing so many remarkable things. Fear is often rooted in the stories we tell ourselves about what failure means. It tells us that failing means we’re not good enough, that we don’t deserve success, or worse, that everyone is watching and waiting to judge us.

But consider this: Most people are so engrossed in their own lives, their own struggles, and their own failures that they’re hardly paying attention to what you’re doing. The truth is, they’re more focused on their own fears of trying.

So when you do take that leap of faith, it’s not just about you; you’re showing up for everyone else who’s sitting on the sidelines, too scared to take that first step. You’re paving the way for others to follow. How powerful is that?

Learning to Shift Your Mindset

To really lean into failure without getting bogged down by fear, shifting your mindset is key. It’s all about changing the narrative around what failure truly means. Here are a few tips to help you out:

1. Redefine Failure: Instead of seeing failure as an end, view it as a lesson. Each setback is merely feedback about what didn’t work, not a reflection of your worth.
2. Celebrate Small Wins: Focus on what you do right, no matter how minor it seems. Did you make it to the gym three times this week? That’s fantastic! Did you speak up in a meeting? Bravo! Celebration breeds motivation.
3. Build a Support System: Surround yourself with people who understand that failure is a part of life. Share your experiences with them; you’ll find that many have their own stories of struggle and triumph.
4. Be Kind to Yourself: You wouldn’t berate a friend for trying and failing, so don’t do it to yourself! Treat yourself like you would treat a good friend, encouragement and understanding go a long way.
5. Visualise Success Alongside Failure: Instead of only picturing the worst case scenario, create a strong mental image of what victory would look like for you. This can help balance out fear with inspiration.

So, What’s Next?

Once you’ve flipped the script on failure, the next step is to set measurable goals for yourself. Whether it’s in your career, your personal life, or your hobbies, having specific, achievable goals gives you something to work towards and provides checkpoints along the way.

For example, if you’re trying to write a book, break it into smaller tasks. Maybe create a target word count for each day, or set aside specific times of the week dedicated to writing. Even if you don’t meet those targets, remember that each attempt is a small victory in itself.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

Let’s give ourselves that congratulatory nod when things don’t work out. If you fail, it simply means you tried, something the vast majority of people shy away from. By confronting our fears head on, reframing our relationship with failure, and learning the lessons it brings, we open ourselves up to a world filled with opportunity. Let’s reclaim our right to fail! After all, the more we try, the more we enable ourselves to succeed.

In the words of Winston Churchill, “Success is stumbling from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm.” Now, who’s ready to embrace that journey together? Your next attempt, big or small, could be the start of something remarkable. Get out there and give it a go!