What is Failure?
By definition it is:
–noun
- lack of success
- nonperformance of something due, required, or expected
- a person or thing that proves unsuccessful
All of those definitions have one major thing in common: they are all about perception. I think most of us look at failure as finite. If you fail, then it’s over, the end, kaput. But who made these rules? None of the definitions presented above state that failure means that success is no longer an option, we just internalize the meaning of the word and many of us run around in fear of this thing called “failure” but is this fear justified?
Fear of failing is an excuse to never try. Maybe we fall short of a mark, which is essentially what this definition suggests, but does falling short mean we should give up completely? Are we ever really left without any feasible alternatives? Do we ever reach an end where getting up and dusting yourself off is not an option?
Well, I’m sure that it is possible to fail, but I can assure you its terribly rare for people to fail in the way we often imagine: A catastrophic, epic ruin from which we will never economically, emotionally or physically recover. For most of us, a “failure” may make us a little uncomfortable, maybe even embarrassed. Crippled and unable to move on? No, almost never.
Again, its how you perceive failure can get you in trouble. In some cases, people misinterpret the time it takes to succeed. Every idea, business venture or creative product is not going to explode over night. An extended timeline does not indicate failure. If you are still in operation, you have not yet failed. Let’s not be so eager to embrace something that makes us so uncomfortable.
Change your mind about failing! Recognize that you have much more to learn by trying, even if you must try and try again. A misguided perception of failure only handicaps progress and eliminates the likely chance that you will succeed.
Keep in mind: Failure is not a prerequisite for success. A Harvard Business School study found already successful entrepreneurs are far more likely to succeed again (the success rate for their future companies is 34 percent). But entrepreneurs whose companies failed the first time had almost the same follow-on success rate as people starting a company for the first time, 23 percent. People who have failed previously, have the same amount of success as people who never tried at all. 1
All the more reason to not inundate ourselves with fear of false failures, and to embrace a path to success!
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Great post.
Widely accepted fear that needs to be quickly unaccepted @ where you speak of misguided perception only handicaps progress.
I recall many times where I’ve either failed at something and scrapped the idea altogether or failed initially, refused to become discouraged, and ended up on some conquering ish.
There were other times where procrastination held me back as well.
I absolutely suffer from a fear of failure disguised as a fear of success…if that makes any sense. Part of me knows I can’t stop trying or I’ll just die, but a bigger, more afraid part of me is all, “Sit down, child. Nobody cares about what you have to say!”
I must find a way to overcome this…
Great post!