The Value of Failing

”Our greatest glory is not in never falling but in rising every time we fall." ~ Confucius

I once read a research article about a study at Teachers College Columbia University about turning failure into success. One key to help students see the value of failing is to recognize that adults they admire aren’t perfect, even famous genious inventors such as Einstein, Marie Curie, Thomas Alfa Edison, Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, and others. They are simply human beings with personal and intellectual struggles before making breakthoughs in their work. 

The stories of these admirable people are the stories of human beings. They are imperfect people just like all of us. It is not about their innate talent and aptitude that led them to great achievements but it is their grit and determination. This quality is what the people in Finland call Sisu. To Finnish people, Sisu means a tenacity determination, courage, bravery, resilience especially in situations where success is against the odds. No matter how hard the situations, despite repeated failures, there are always second chances for us to keep going, to go inch by inch, to build brick by brick towards our goals. That is the key.

In short, failure is a normal part of the process of learning. In fact, it is a normal part in the process of growing in life. Keep believing in yourself! No matter how difficult the situation is and despite your past failures, stay positive and keep working hard! Just like Robert F. Kennedy said once: ”Only those who dare to fail greatly can achieve greatly.”

(Link to the research article: https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/releases/edu-edu0000092.pdf)