The Unexpected Power of Failure: Lessons from a Princeton Professor's "CV of Failures"

In our success-obsessed culture, we're constantly bombarded with highlight reels of accomplishments.

LinkedIn profiles showcase promotions and awards.

Instagram feeds overflow with picture-perfect moments.

But what if I told you that one of the most powerful career moves you could make is to showcase your failures?

This isn't just a hypothetical question. It's a strategy that's been put into practice by Johannes Haushofer, a Princeton professor of psychology and public affairs. In a bold move that challenges conventional wisdom, Haushofer published what he calls a "CV of Failures" online.

At first glance, this might seem counterintuitive, even career-damaging.

But let's unpack why this unconventional approach is actually brilliant:

1. It normalizes failure: By openly sharing his setbacks, Haushofer sends a powerful message that failure is a normal part of any successful career. This is particularly important in academia, where rejection is common but rarely discussed.
2. It provides perspective: For students and early-career professionals who might be discouraged by rejection, seeing a successful professor's list of failures provides valuable context. It shows that even accomplished individuals face numerous setbacks on their path to success.
3. It encourages perseverance: By demonstrating that failure is not the end of the road, but rather a common stop on the journey to success, Haushofer's CV of Failures encourages others to keep pushing forward in the face of setbacks.
4. It builds trust and authenticity: In a world where everyone seems to be curating a perfect image, this level of transparency is refreshing. It makes Haushofer more relatable and trustworthy.
5. It creates a learning opportunity: By sharing his failures, Haushofer opens up conversations about how to deal with setbacks and learn from them.

So the next time you're updating your resume or LinkedIn profile, consider taking a page from Professor Haushofer's book.

Maybe you don't need to publish a full CV of Failures, but what if you included a section on "Lessons Learned" or "Challenges Overcome"?

In other words, sharing your failures can ironically make you stand out.