Thursday
Oct302008
More on Failure
Thursday, October 30, 2008 at 11:35AM
Today I'm looking at the distinction between failing at something and being a failure.
Allowing yourself to fail at something is healthy. It means that you are stretching yourself beyond your comfort zone. You can't really go beyond your comfort zone without risking failure. If there's no risk, it's a pretty good indication that you're kidding yourself and you're still in the safety of that comfort zone.
But failing is not the same as being a failure. There is always learning, and the possibility for growth, available from failing, if you choose to look for it.
However, if as a result of failing you interpret that to mean that you are a failure, there is very little possibility from this perspective. After all, if you are a failure, there is really only one possible outcome, and that is more failing.
So, what are the lessons for you from some of your most spectacular faliures?
Allowing yourself to fail at something is healthy. It means that you are stretching yourself beyond your comfort zone. You can't really go beyond your comfort zone without risking failure. If there's no risk, it's a pretty good indication that you're kidding yourself and you're still in the safety of that comfort zone.
But failing is not the same as being a failure. There is always learning, and the possibility for growth, available from failing, if you choose to look for it.
However, if as a result of failing you interpret that to mean that you are a failure, there is very little possibility from this perspective. After all, if you are a failure, there is really only one possible outcome, and that is more failing.
So, what are the lessons for you from some of your most spectacular faliures?
