Here's how you can incorporate failure into your social impact career for better learning.

?? When a project doesn't meet expectations, it's a golden opportunity for growth. It's not just about pinpointing what didn't work; it's about gaining insights that can fuel your future success. Perhaps it was an unforeseen market shift or an internal misstep – whatever the cause, each setback is a chance to refine your strategy. Embrace these moments as invaluable learning experiences, and let them guide you to make informed, strategic decisions that will lead to triumphs in your subsequent endeavors.

A change in perception helped me to view closed doors as an opportunity for new opportunities for growth. This lesson was difficult to learn because I took pride in my accomplishments. Winning at the time was more important. Failure was not winning from that perspective. Now, I understand that there is room for grace and new beginnings.

?? Embracing feedback is a cornerstone of professional growth and innovation. When we open ourselves to the perspectives of those around us, we unlock opportunities for development that we may have never considered. It's a collaborative effort that not only refines our projects but also strengthens our relationships with colleagues and stakeholders. By valuing constructive criticism, we not only enhance our work but also contribute to a shared vision of excellence and progress.

In my experience, I noticed that even when I outwardly accepted constructive criticism, I left the encounter taking it hard on myself. Afterward, it was challenging to find my bearings again. The experience would bring me to become self-critical. I often in my younger years became "stuck" in a paralysis of analysis, asking myself questions. Many of the questions centered around my immediate feelings of incompetence for not getting it right the first time. The best lesson I learned from these setbacks was that iron sharpens iron. The more I realize it, the less I internalize what is stated and began to self-reflect more positively. Failure isn't a period, it's a comma. Stagnancy breeds less forward progression. You still live and you learn.

??In the dynamic landscape of social impact, the ability to evolve and refine your strategies is crucial. Reflecting on past experiences and integrating feedback are the cornerstones of growth. Embrace the lessons from each endeavor—successes and setbacks alike—as they shape the innovative approaches of tomorrow. Remember, adaptability isn't just about changing direction; it's about transforming challenges into stepping stones towards greater achievements. Keep pushing boundaries and stay resilient, for the path of social impact is paved with continuous learning and the courage to change.

I was blessed to recover numerous times. Often, I would use the same methodology to move forward. My pivoting strategy was present. I was just not making gains anymore. It took a while to get over the shock of ineffective methods. I am glad to have gotten past it and better at snapping out of it.

This may sound counterintuitive, but I would recommend formally integrating some way to celebrate failures (and, of course, the learning outcomes that emerged). When failure can be seen as an opportunity for growth, learning, and innovation, rather than a source of shame, it can propel a team to new heights.