Failure is an Option!
How many times have we heard the phrase, “Failure is not an option.”? This phrase has been repeated for generations and is rooted in the notion that failure is analogous with some sort of life catastrophe.
A few weeks ago, I was in a lecture with the New York Times columnist, Adam Bryant. Bryant is the author of The Corner Office where he has conducted interviews with chief executives about leadership and management. In the lecture, Bryant mentioned that many of the executives have learned considerably more from their failures than their victories.
Here are some techniques to help change your view of failure and utilize it to your benefit.
1.) Failure is inevitable: The journey of life is jam-packed with both triumphs and defeats. Failure is sure to happen and there is nothing we can do to avoid it. One of the best ways to handle failure is by changing what failure means in our lives. Shifting the focus of failure requires concentrating on the new possibilities created from these downfalls.
2.) Failure produces potential possibilities: Many people never realize their full potential because they are afraid of failing. Imagine what could be achieved if the fear of failing was not on the table. Some people count themselves out of opportunities too early because they are defeated mentally by the prospect of failure. Benjamin E. Mays said, “Not failure, but low aim is sin.”
3.) Failure is a greatest learning tool: Some of the most successful people have only achieved their success by learning from their mistakes and missteps. Bill Gates said, “ It’s fine to celebrate success, but it is more important to heed the lessons of failure.” Failure always shows us that the biggest room is the room for improvement. Failure helps to keep life in prospective.
4.) Failure builds resilience: Everyone reacts to failure in different ways. Some people say, “Failure defeats losers and inspires winners.” The only difference between winners and losers is that the winner got back up. Failure brings us all to a place where we reveal what is in our character. Michael Jordan said, “I can accept failure, everyone fails at something, but what I can’t accept is NOT trying.” Never give up!
5.) Failure is the mother of innovation: The gift of failure is that we can rule out what doesn’t work. Thomas Edison said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” Being able to persist through failure helps us create something new! You just need to redefine how you view failure as a vehicle toward innovation. Failure is not the opposite of success, it is a part of it!