5% Chance, 99% Failure, Infinite Gains

The fear of the unknown often holds us back from trying new things. We might prefer the safety of inaction over the risk of failure.

The fear of the unknown often holds us back from trying new things. We might prefer the safety of inaction over the risk of failure. But isn't it difficult to explain the "buts" and "ifs"? I believe these excuses often stem from a fear of the unknown, the risks associated with new opportunities, and the fear of personal and professional growth. We fear losing the safety of our current reality, but perhaps, what we truly seek to avoid is the high probability of failing.

Have you noticed how we often struggle more with failure when we actually try, despite it increasing our chances of success compared to not trying at all? This paradox arises because when we make an effort and fail, the sting of failure is deeply felt. Yet, if we never try, we avoid this direct sense of failure, leaving us in a state of regret, pondering the 'what ifs.'

Maybe societal and professional norms influence how we perceive failure. In healthcare, failure is associated with errors, carrying grave consequences. When critical care is your daily reality, it's easy to overestimate the meaning of failure beyond healthcare—in our personal lives and other professional endeavors.

Education often discourages failure, demanding constant success. On platforms like LinkedIn, only success is celebrated. But when you take a step back and assess realistically, life teaches us that behind every success story, failure is often lurking unseen. What's frequently overlooked is that taking risks and encountering failure can lead to immense gains.

But why am I sharing this? It all began with a 5% chance.

5% Chance

The more attempts, the higher the likelihood of success. Even with slim odds, we must try enough times to allow for a chance of luck.

Initially, this chance was 0%. Why? Because for two years, I hesitated to submit my application for a specific program. Fear of rejection loomed large, haunted by the anticipated "Unfortunately, we have not selected you this time." Being realistic, I understood the difficulty of competing on an uneven playing field, where opportunities and networks aren't equally accessible. But two things made me reconsider.

First, the perception of failure in other fields. In banking, for instance, the mantra is clear: keep trying; thousands of attempts may be needed for one success. This was a foreign concept in my healthcare career, but it made me think—perhaps it's all about playing the odds. The more attempts, the higher the likelihood of success. Even with slim odds, we must try enough times to allow for a chance of luck.

My initial 0%, or rather 1% chance, eventually became a 5% chance as I advanced to the next stage. Despite daunting odds, this opportunity prepared me for some of the most challenging and exhilarating interviews I've ever experienced. I learned to be more strategic in planning and preparation, broadening my knowledge and skills like never before.

This 5% chance demanded a mindset shift for proper preparation. How does one mentally prepare for something with such low odds of success? Do you give your all, maintaining a positive outlook, or do you brace for disappointment? I'm still learning how to persist through fear and failure, building the resilience to press on regardless.

Learning from 99% failure

Viewing setbacks as learning opportunities rather than failures can transform our approach to challenges, enhancing our future success.

Predictably, this chance ended in failure. Despite the disappointment, I was grateful for the journey and the incredible people I met. Why gratitude in the face of failure? Because it taught me invaluable lessons.

After numerous setbacks this year—in grants, job applications, fellowships, and contracts—I sought insight from others who faced similar challenges. More important than achieving success was understanding how they navigated through constant failure. Here are three lessons I learned:

1. Setbacks as Opportunities: Often, we view setbacks as failures, reluctant to extract valuable information from negative feedback. Embracing feedback, even when it's negative, can provide crucial insights and improvements. Viewing setbacks as learning opportunities rather than failures can transform our approach to challenges, enhancing our future success.
2. Persistence in the Face of Rejection: Sometimes, despite our best efforts, we're not the right fit. But persistence often leads to unexpected opportunities. Staying dedicated and open to different paths and connections is key. Success stories often involve overcoming challenges through continuous persistence and adaptation.
3. Navigating an Unfair World: The professional world can be unfair. Being highly qualified doesn't always lead to success. My experiences have shown me the crucial role of networking in career advancement. This can be a harsh reality, especially in professions like nursing, where networking support is limited. Success often requires seeking out the right opportunities and connections.

Infinite Gains

Experiencing failure also brings a more realistic understanding of my abilities and limitations, helping set achievable goals and maintain a balanced perspective on success and failure. I now analyze elements I previously overlooked, learning to focus on what I can control.

While facing a 99% failure rate, I gain immensely in terms of personal development. Each experience has allowed me to evaluate my effectiveness and identify areas for improvement. This cycle of learning from failures ensures continuous growth.

Failure has improved my chances of future success, enhancing my writing, presentation, strategic planning, and interview skills. These setbacks have exposed me to new opportunities and the dynamics of success and failure. Each experience, regardless of the odds, has provided valuable lessons, refining my approach for the future.

Most importantly, facing failure has shaped my character, building resilience, enhancing learning, and spurring personal growth. These experiences have made me more persistent, helping me clarify my true desires. Overcoming setbacks isn't easy, but it fosters deep reflection on my actions, goals, and values, leading to greater self-awareness and clarity about my future.

Experiencing failure also brings a more realistic understanding of my abilities and limitations, helping set achievable goals and maintain a balanced perspective on success and failure. I now analyze elements I previously overlooked, learning to focus on what I can control.

Conclusion

But the question remains: How do you find resilience after repeated failures? How do you balance emotions against overwhelming odds? When is it time to reconsider your path if healthcare isn't working out?

These are challenging questions without easy answers. But perhaps insights from psychology can offer guidance.

In an academic library, I discovered "Psychology for Thinking about the Future," which introduced me to three concepts:

1. Mental Contrasting: Aligning aspirations with reality through imagining the best outcome, recognizing obstacles, and strategizing to overcome them.
2. Self-Efficacy: Belief in our ability to succeed, setting ambitious goals, persisting through difficulties, and recovering swiftly from setbacks.
3. Growth Mindset: The belief that abilities can develop, focusing on a positive future, and strategizing for success.

I hope sharing these insights inspires open discussions about setbacks as essential to personal growth. Let's support each other, learn together, and build resilience and courage. Your experiences and strategies are valuable; let's share our collective wisdom to navigate challenges and shape the futures we desire.