Failure or feedback? Why you can never fail

Have you ever considered what would you do if you knew you couldn't fail? Where you would take your business? Your life? Here’s some good news, by perceiving failure as feedback soloists need never fail.

Whilst on her way to a job interview, a friend of mine engaged in some negative self-talk. Thoughts like ‘I’m not qualified enough’ ‘the other candidates will be better’ and ‘I won’t get this job!’ burnt donuts in her mind.

Then she saw a quote on a car’s bumper sticker. It read: ‘What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail?’

That quote changed everything. From then on, she no longer entertained any unhelpful thoughts and after an exhaustive recruiting process, she got the job.

Considering that she was convinced she wouldn’t get the job, what changed when she read the bumper sticker?

The answer is simple: her perception of the word failure.

Failure is generally perceived as the unsuccessful end of an attempt, when in fact it is the occasionally painful beginning of new growth. If you start perceiving failure as new information to help you improve, then regardless of the outcome, every valiant attempt at a positive pursuit is a successful one.

If failure is seen as feedback, then how can you ever fail? Let’s look at this new perception in action:

I failed my exam = I have feedback that I need to study more.
I failed to make a sale = I have feedback that I need to improve my selling technique.
My marketing plan has failed = I have feedback that I may need the help of a marketing consultant.

When you’re no longer afraid of failing you are no longer afraid to live. You will embrace rich and rewarding opportunities armed with the knowledge that if it doesn’t work out as planned, you will grow from the success of trying. And you’ll do things differently next time round!

I know of a soloist motivational speaker who at one point had to sell his beloved car because he couldn’t pay the bills. While some people would have thought he was a failure, he didn’t see it that way. He took the opportunity to gain priceless feedback, learn from it and implement new actions. He learnt the hard way how to make his business work; he believed and he persisted and he’s now a very wealthy man, as measured in dollars and happiness.

So there you have it. You cannot change the dictionary meaning of failure, but you can change your perception of the word as it relates to your life. One perception promotes resilience, the other creates dejection. I know which one I’d rather choose.

Are you ready to choose feedback over failure? And if so, what would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail? What ‘feedback’ have you gained lately? Please feel free to share.

Lucinda Lions is a Writer and Relaxation consultant. Her popular CD’s Growth: Positive Words and Affirmations for Small Business Owners, and Guided Relaxation for Busy People help people to stress less and soar more.

11 comments | Add your own 1 2 | Next» View all»

Thanks, Lucinda - good stuff and at a good time for me! Grant Hyman from Sydney | Read my articles
Hello Lucinda - great insight!
Recently, we have found that deadlines are critical for most companies, but that they don't stress this fact; although they want their job finished by Friday, they say ASAP. We were failing to meet these deadlines (because we didn't know about them). After considering this we make a note of pointedly asking the customer when they need the job by; if they need it Friday, we can work hard to get it finished in time. You never fail if you try; the greatest successes come after a fall. Jess from Newcastle
If I knew I couldn't fail i would have started my business ages ago, rather than waiting to build up the courage! like Grant, this article is really good timing for me. thanks, and keep em' coming, i need all the encouragement i can get! J.Wa from Blakehurst, Sydney, Australia
I have the attitude that everything is a learning experience. Heather Smith from BRISBANE | Read my articles
This is such a great article, so well written too Lucinda! I've 'failed' a few times, and was at a point where I was too scared to try again. I didn't think it was worth trying any more. Reading your article has changed this for me. I'm going to try and try...till I succeed. Thank you for your words of wisdom. I needed to read this. I'm on my way, and will keep trying until I succeed. Emma-Rose Firth from Bondi, NSW
Hi everyone, thank you so much for your encouraging and inspiring comments in relation to my article. I'm glad that this article has come at the right time for you, Grant and JWa. Jess, how true that some of the greatest successes come after a fall....this comment definitely ties in with Heather's comment of everything in life being a learning experience. Emma-Rose your comment was really touching, and is a great inspiration to others. Good on you for your great attitude! Speaking of attitude, I'm currently at 5 days of teachings with the Dalai Lama and I'm picking up some priceless information. To my clients, have I got some interesting information to share with you! Lucinda Lions from Sydney, NSW | Read my articles

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