How I “Failed” My Goal – and What It Taught Me About Business
At the start of January, I set a goal: run 10km every day. Not only did I meet this target, but I exceeded it by nearly 50%. Yet, despite this, I still felt like I had failed.
Just one kilometer from completing my latest run, I slipped, and twisted my ankle. My wife, ever the voice of reason, forbade me from hobbling the last kilometer and insisted I spend the afternoon in bed. Lying there, frustration set in. All that effort wasted. At least, that’s what I thought at first. But as I reflected, I realized I was looking at it all wrong. Over the past month:
I also learned a ton from the podcasts I listened to during my runs. Had I really failed? Or had I simply been measuring success the wrong way?
What This Means for Business
This experience made me think about business and how we often judge success by arbitrary finish lines instead of the real impact of our efforts. Here are some key lessons I took away:
1. Progress Matters More Than Perfection
I ran more than I set out to, yet I still felt like I failed. Businesses do this all the time. Hitting major milestones but feeling like they’ve fallen short because they didn’t meet an exact goal. Instead of focusing on rigid targets, celebrate progress and the improvements along the way.
2. Setbacks Are Part of the Journey
My ankle injury kept me from completing that last kilometer, but pushing through could have caused even bigger problems. In business, setbacks are inevitable. The key isn’t avoiding them, it’s knowing when to pivot, when to pause, and when to push forward.
3. The Real Wins Are Often Unexpected
My initial goal was just to run, but the real benefits came in the form of better health, mental clarity, and knowledge gained from podcasts. In business, unexpected wins - new skills, industry insights, or stronger relationships - can be just as valuable as financial targets.
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4. Perspective Is Everything
At first, I saw my effort as wasted. But stepping back revealed how much I had gained. In business, it’s easy to feel like you’re failing when expectations aren’t met. Take a moment to reassess - you might be winning in ways you hadn’t considered.
5. Listen to the Right People
Had I ignored my wife’s advice and tried to finish that last kilometer, I could have made my injury worse. In business, having trusted advisors who provide perspective - and being willing to listen - can prevent costly mistakes.
6. Learning Is a Competitive Advantage
My runs weren’t just about fitness - they became learning sessions thanks to the podcasts I listened to. In business, continuous learning is a game-changer. Whether it’s through mentors, books, or real-world experiences, always look for ways to grow.
7. The Journey Is More Important Than the Finish Line
If I had completed every single run but gained nothing from it, what would have been the point? The same applies to business. Fixating on hitting a specific number or outcome can make you lose sight of the bigger picture - growth, impact, and long-term success.
Final Thoughts
We all set goals, and sometimes, we don’t hit them exactly as planned. But that doesn’t mean we’ve failed. The real question isn’t “Did I reach the finish line?” but rather “What did I gain along the way?”
So the next time you feel like you’ve fallen short in business (or in life), take a step back. You might be more successful than you think.
What are some “failures” that turned out to be wins for you? I’d love to hear your thoughts!