Failing Fast

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts." - Winston Churchill

Dear Investors & Friends:

Welcome to this week's SundayReads.

As I reflect on life's journey, it's clear that change is the only constant. We stumble, make mistakes, and from those moments of adversity, we learn, adapt, and grow. Failure isn't a setback but an essential part of our development, a stepping stone towards success. In today's fast-paced world, the concept of "failing fast and learning fast" holds significant relevance.

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I first came across this notion through my son, who joined Amazon seven years ago. He shared their philosophy with me, and it struck a chord. Failing fast isn't about celebrating failure; it's about embracing it as a means of learning and evolving sooner. It encourages experimentation, testing, and adaptation, applicable not only in our professional pursuits but also in our personal lives.

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Reflecting on my childhood, I remember how my mom insisted we all learn to ride a bicycle. While my brother Kalpesh and I quickly picked it up, our youngest sibling Rakesh was hesitant. He wobbled and fell, but with each attempt, our mom and uncle encouraged him until he gained confidence and mastered the skill. This childhood lesson resonates deeply, illustrating the power of perseverance and resilience.

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As we transition into adulthood and embark on our careers, the concept of failing fast becomes even more pertinent. We're faced with pivotal decisions—choosing career paths, starting businesses, or pursuing further education. These decisions are fraught with uncertainty, but through trial and error, we uncover our passions and strengths.

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In our professional lives, failing fast is akin to conducting small experiments. It's about testing hypotheses, trying new approaches, and being open to pivoting when necessary. For instance, when launching a new product, instead of exhaustive market research, failing fast advocates for quick adjustments based on real-world feedback.

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Much like a seasoned cricketer learns from each dismissal, we too can glean wisdom from our failures. Take M.S. Dhoni, for example, who approaches each batting opportunity with a clear mind, undeterred by past failures. His resilience and determination enable him to adapt to ever-changing game situations, a lesson in perseverance we can all learn from.

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The beauty of failing fast lies in its ability to accelerate growth and innovation. It reframes failure not as a setback but as a crucial step towards success. Each failure offers valuable lessons, guiding us closer to our goals.

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So, the next time you're faced with a challenge or pursuing a new opportunity, remember the concept of failing fast. Embrace failure as a catalyst for growth, asking yourself, "Would I be better off learning from failure quickly and adapting my approach?" Let failure propel you towards greater heights.

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In conclusion, failing fast isn't about avoiding failure—it's about confronting it head-on and using it to fuel growth. It fosters a culture of experimentation, resilience, and adaptability. Embrace failure, learn from it, and let it guide you towards success.

Until the next week and the next SundayRead, Ciao.

Sincerely,

Kavita Bothra

Helping you think thoughts you may not have thought before.