What If I’ve Already Failed? Reframing Failure

Failure is inevitable. And if we use it as a learning opportunity, we can often find a positive experience to take from it. Too often, failure is viewed as a negative outcome, perhaps something didn’t work as you expected. Maybe the results or outcome were different. But it shouldn’t be seen as the end result.?

Instead failure is part of a bigger journey, one of growth and development. And by reframing what failure looks like, and using it as a tool to learn, you’ll find you open yourself up to new opportunities and perhaps use failure to move in a whole new direction.?

In a recent Mindset Matters Podcast , I sat down with Bonita Norris , who in 2010 became the youngest British woman to summit Mount Everest. On her own climbing journey, Bonita was presented with many challenges and at times failure too. Her own relationship with failure, in her words, is the most important thing to confront.?

We chatted about how we are all capable of getting through tough times, and how Bonita’s own experiences in life have helped her view failure, not as an ending, but as a motivator. In terms of mountaineering, you can put one step in front of the other – and that’s a message we can all place into our own lives. You can try again and you will get through it.?

One interesting point is how Bonita tells herself she has already failed, she tells herself she won’t reach the next mountain’s peak. And because she has nothing to lose, she’s able to use that freedom to push forward and to try. And from that succeed. It’s a really liberating mindset.?

If you take anything from the podcast, I hope it’s the fact that failure shouldn’t hold you back. You can try again. You can learn something from the experience. And your journey will only grow.

Taking control of your mindset

During my chat with Bonita, it was clear that she has a strong sense of being able to direct her future. Bonita came up against doubt from others and challenges raising the funds required to achieve her goal of reaching the peak of Everest. But Bonita did everything?within her control?to make her dream a reality.

And this is a crucial point about how we create our mindsets. We can take control and shift our beliefs and attitudes to achieve results.

In my first (??) Thriving Weekly coaching video on the Mindset Matters Hub , I share how you can take control of your mindset by practising accountability, developing a learning mindset and being open to possibilities. You can also download a free coaching guide to guide and support you in shifting your mindset to take control of your wellbeing and performance.

Your approach to failure

How would you describe your mindset and attitude to failure? I'd love to read about your experiences in the comments.

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