When Failure IS An Option
We’ve all heard the phrase “Failure is not an option“. I love it because it symbolizes absolute determination, like there is no other choice – it’s gonna be accomplished. End of Story. That is the literal way we think of the phrase and it’s very powerful.
But, what happens when Failure is an option? And really, it should be sometimes. We are taught continuously that we cannot make mistakes. This philosophy paralyzes people from ever taking risks, even calculated ones. It keeps people from stepping out of their comfort zone and trying something new. Now, I’m not suggesting that we make mistakes that go against our moral values, I’m simply saying that there are times when you just need to do things that are uncomfortable or might not end the way you expected. They usually end up being great teaching moments.
It’s no secret that successful people fail their way to the top. There are many, many examples of this all around us. Most motivational speeches are based on the principal. Heck, Thomas Edison failed 10,000 times to find a material to use as the filament for his light bulb. I think most of us would have thrown in the towel at 1000 or sooner! But, each failure was a stepping stone to his success because he learned what didn’t work.
What got me thinking about failures and mistakes today was my own journey. I’m having to re-invent myself after a job loss. Everything I’m doing is new and is requires me to learn new skills to get things accomplished…and boy have I made some mistakes! But, I learn, re-adjust and keep at it. I’ll fail my way to success!! We all should.
Failure may not be an option, but mistakes are – so KEEP GOING!
10 Comments
Daphne’
I just want to say thank you for this!! I needed this today!
Stacy Calderone
Hi Daphne! Of course…I’m glad it was helpful! Have a sparkly day!! 🙂
Kristen
Awesome! SO great to have a reminder like this that let’s us know it’s okay to stumble when we are trying something new!!
Stacy Calderone
Hi Kristen! Thank-You! I’m glad it was helpful.
Cathers
Definitely needed to hear this today – failure is ok 🙂
Stacy Calderone
I’m glad it was helpful! It is absolutely OK! 🙂
Iain Geddes
Hey Stacy, this is a great way of looking at things and I completely agree with you. Mistakes can be very useful at times. I learn more from my mistakes than I do from anything else!
Stacy Calderone
They certainly are! I’ve made many recently just getting this blog set up! 🙂 Thanks for the comment!
Jazz
This article is so motivational ! Failure is okay, I love it.
Stacy Calderone
Thank-You! We all need a reminder sometimes. 🙂