Failure: The Secret to Success
We’ve all been there. You set your sights on a goal, work hard, and give it your all, only to fall flat on your face. It stings, it’s frustrating, and in that moment, it feels like the end of the road.
But what if failure isn’t what we make it out to be? What if it’s a path to something greater? The difference between people who succeed and those who stay stuck often comes down to one thing: how they see failure. Let me tell you how to reframe your sense of failure.
Failure is a teacher – Failing highlights our weak spots, admittedly sometimes in ways we wish did not happen, allowing us to see where we need to improve. Maybe your project went over budget because you failed to pay attention to detail. Next time, you will slow down and read the fine print of a subcontractor’s agreement to understand how delays can lead to monetary penalties, which can lead to budget overruns. Instead of seeing setbacks as proof of inadequacy, use them as a guide for growth.
Failure leads to resiliency - Failing also builds resilience. When you’ve been knocked down and get back up, you develop mental toughness, the kind that carries you through future challenges. Many times, I have thought to myself, “I can get through this challenge because I have done it before.” You build a new muscle when you fail and ultimately succeed. The upside of this is that those around you see your resiliency and learn from it. That muscle of resilience can be your powerhouse in the future.
Failure can spark creativity – Failure often redirects us because it puts an obstacle in our way. Rather than turning around, allow the failure to spark a creative thinking process that will ultimately show you a new path forward. What immediately comes to my mind is that scene in the movie Apollo 13 in which the engineer dumps on the conference room table every oddball item that the astronauts would have on the spaceship that could be used to bring them back to Earth safely. The quicker you move on from your failure, the quicker you create a new possibility.
Next time you fail (and you will), instead of thinking, “I failed,” try, “I’m learning.” This simple mindset shift removes the shame and allows for growth. The worst thing failure can do is make you stop trying. The best response? Get up and keep going. Instead of replaying the failure on a loop, ask: What can I do differently?
So, the next time you fall short, remember this isn’t the end. It’s just another step toward your success. Do you need some help building your resiliency muscle? Book a free discovery session through my website. I am here to help!