6 Good Things About Failure

The dreaded f-word. While failure is mostly known for squashing dreams and delaying projects, there are many good things that can come from failure if you just look in the right places. 

You can start over

Henry Ford said, “Failure is only the opportunity to begin again, only this time more wisely.” Failure is not an indication that the end is approaching. If you fail at something, you now have the chance to reevaluate your plan, take a different approach, and find another opportunity that will bring you closer to the finish line.

It’s a chance to learn

Failure is simply an opportunity to learn a lesson. When you acquire a new piece of information, it will allow you to better understand your end goal and how to arrive at your destination in the smartest way. Every time you fail (because there will be more than one time), make a point to pay attention and learn. 

It gives you a reason to change

Now you have an excuse to take your project in an entirely different direction. Now is your chance to make smart moves and switch up your blueprint. Change is what develops progress and a failure will tell you what didn’t work, but it can also teach you what might work instead.

It provides motivation

Failure gives you one more reason to keep going! Thomas Edison said, “Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” Consider it a step to getting closer to your objective. Use it as inspiration and find motivation in the things that you have learned as a result.

It’s part of everyone’s journey

Everyone is doing it. Notable figures such as Eleanor Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, J.K. Rowling, Henry Ford, and Michael Jordan have spoken about the relevance and significance of failure in their successes. Every person has failed at something, so you won’t be the only person in the club.

It shapes who you are

We are all an outcome of our pasts, our experiences, the people in our lives, and our unique backgrounds. We all have stories of times that have taught us lessons or shaped the way we view the world. Failure is no exception. Failure teaches you about yourself and those lessons will more than likely find their way to you again later in life.

Whether you’re on the heels of failure or are about to embark on an undertaking with high risk, just know that failure is not inherently bad. Failure comes with advantages and it can often provide valuable insight and enhance your journey, no matter where life takes you.