Rethinking Failure: A Personal Journey Rethinking Risk and Growth

As I reflect on the conversations I’ve had and the myriad stories I’ve encountered throughout my career in healthcare and technology, one undeniable truth keeps surfacing: failure is not just inevitable, it’s essential. Lex Fridman recent podcast discussion with Amanda Askell , an AI researcher at Anthropic , really hit home for me. It reminded me of the many ways we learn from our stumbles just as much, if not more, than from our triumphs.

Consider how we learn anything in life—from walking as toddlers to navigating complex professional challenges. Failure is not just a possibility; it’s often a prerequisite. Yet, as we grow older, society seems to foster a less forgiving attitude towards failure, especially when the stakes are high. But isn’t it true that with higher stakes should come greater risks?

A good friend of mine, a seasoned entrepreneur, once claimed that he’s never been part of a failed venture. On the surface, that sounds like a track record of relentless success. But it got me thinking—without the bitter taste of failure, are we truly pushing the envelope or are we playing it too safe? Even industry titans like Elon Musk have publicly faced setbacks before achieving groundbreaking success. These examples aren't just anomalies; they are beacons that illuminate the value of resilience.

In my own journey, I’ve noticed a shift in my relationship with risk and failure over the years. In the early days, the zest to innovate came with a higher tolerance for failure. The stakes were different then, and perhaps, so was my appetite for risk. Now, as the scales tip more towards preserving achievements, I find myself lying awake at night, wondering if my growing aversion to risk is actually hindering potential growth, and if my understanding of failure is quietly reshaping my thought process. Let's face it, no one ever fails on LinkedIn, and this curated portrayal of success makes me question if I'm setting realistic expectations for myself.

Amanda Askell’s insights resonate deeply on this matter. She proposes that if we aren’t failing occasionally, we’re probably not challenging ourselves enough. It’s not about seeking failure, but about embracing the learning that comes with it. In tech, where iterations can be fast and feedback instantaneous, small failures are nothing but steps towards refinement. Yet, in life, some failures can have profound implications, making the decision to risk all the more daunting.

The concept of the optimal rate of failure isn’t universal. It varies vastly between individuals and circumstances. In my case, I often find myself hesitating—especially when I think about the responsibilities I have and the people counting on me. But then again, perhaps when I have nothing more to lose, it’s exactly the time to take a leap and go for it. My optimal rate of failure is highly personal—dependent on my ability to handle and recover from setbacks, and on my willingness to face uncertainty head-on.

How, then, do I find that balance? How do I encourage myself, especially in high-stakes areas like healthcare and technology, to take calculated risks and learn from missteps without letting fear hold me back?

Inspired by Fridman and Askell, I feel it’s time to reevaluate how I view failure. I shouldn’t just tolerate failure; I need to analyze it, learn from it, and, yes, even celebrate it. Each failure teaches me something about my processes, my decisions, and myself.

As I navigate the complexities of my professional and personal life, I remind myself to allow the latitude to fail, to learn, and to grow. Because at the end of the day, my path to innovation and success isn’t paved with constant victories but with insightful recoveries from meaningful risks. I can’t shy away from the challenge; I need to embrace it, and perhaps I'll find myself innovating in ways I never thought possible.