The Success In Failing

Failure is not an option. 

That is a theme I've heard repeated many times during my corporate days, it's something that movies that I grew up with pushed, it was also one of the fabrics that made up the culture I grew up with. 

People don't take too kindly to the word failure. 

Failing is perceived as being caused by a lack of skill, commitment or attitude. And as such a person who fails is viewed as somehow lesser than the rest. 

So it's not surprising that everyone goes to great lengths to avoid failure. 

For a lot of people the downside to avoiding failure at any cost means they do not take risks, they won't put effort into trying something of interest, they won't change to a new way of doing things and even keep up facades which are beyond stressful. 

On the face of it, all of the above are unacceptable to most people; until it becomes about them. 

So why do we fear to fail? And how should we look at the event labeled 'failure'?

Why We Fear Failing:
​We avoid failing because we have certain fears that we've attached to it. 
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1. We are focused on how we are projected into the world because we may be surrounded by people who project failure as negative
2. We don't like the emotions it causes within us: feeling disappointed, embarrassed, weak, irresponsible, ashamed...?
3. We fear giving up our stability, security and comfort in our routine
4. We let an action, event or task define who we are and equate it to our worth

Whatever the reason for the fear, the one thing that's common is that it's our thinking that is the greatest obstacle. 

Our thoughts on the subject of failing is what causes most of the stress and anxiety. 

​And that is the good news. 

Image: PictureQuotes

If thoughts are the reason behind why we hold ourselves back, that's a very doable change. If we are able to rewire our thinking and perception of the event of failure, we can unshackle the restraint we impose on our potential. 
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How should we look at failure?

Any person that has made it big and has made a difference will tell you they've failed more than they have succeeded. 
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1. Failure means we tried something new, which means we flexed our skills and used the gray matter a little differently
2. We now have an experience that is unique and learning's  we didn't have before
3. We have upped our emotional management and have practiced dealing with unusual emotions.
4. We've spent time researching, reading and gathering data which now serves as working knowledge 
5. We've come in contact with people & systems that we didn't know before
6. We've dedicated focused time to our craft, passion or skill and THAT makes us better
7. We are on our way to making an impact and a real difference, we are participating in the process of success.

By allowing ourselves to re-frame how we look at failure, we are opening up a huge array of opportunities for ourselves. 

If you are looking to live authentic, live your purpose or simply feel like you've made a difference; learning to see Failure differently is a key component to achieving that goal. 

Here's to your success!


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