The counter-intuitive power of failure

Hi Everyone,

I've had a mixture of success and failure in my career.

And while the desire to avoid failing is quite natural...

There's a counter-intuitive power in embracing it. 3 reasons why: 1) Failure is a necessary step towards growth and innovation As Thomas Edison, the inventor of the light bulb, once said: "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." Embracing failure allows us to learn from our mistakes and informs our next moves. It helps us to think creatively... and in Thomas Edison's case, it can lead to innovative solutions that can literally transform the world. 2) Failure builds resilience and courage As former Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, famously said: "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts." When we pick ourselves up after we fall, we not only learn from our mistakes... We also "thicken our skin" and develop our courage... two ingredients essential to our future success. 3) Failure leads to personal growth and self-discovery As J.K. Rowling, the auther of the Harry Potter series, once said: "It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all - in which case, you fail by default." J.K. Rowling first began writing in 1988 and didn't publish her first Harry Potter book until 1995 - that's 7 years later!

Not only that, but her manuscript was repeatedly rejected by various publishers. By continually pushing herself and trying, she not only grew as a writer and found a publisher... but also created one of the most popular literary collections of all time. So, if you've ever failed don't take it as a sign of weakness. Instead view the opportunity to stand back up and learn from your mistakes as a sign of strength...

Ask yourself:

1. What might I do differently next time around?

2. How have I become more resilient or courageous as a result?

3. What did I learn about myself in the process? There is incredible power in embracing failure... and it is a very necessary part of the journey.

And I'll leave you with a quote from one of the greatest human beings to have ever lived:

“I never lose. I either win or I learn.” - Nelson Mandela

That's all from me...

Have a great week ahead!