Why You Must Fail: The Three Essential Assets Gained Exclusively from Failure

Most of us perceive failure as undesirable. Something to be avoided at all costs. But what if failure is not only helpful, but actually necessary?

Failure is success in progress. -Albert Einstein

If you’ve spent much time in the gym you’ve undoubtedly heard the term training to failure. The body reaches the point where it no longer has the capacity to complete a given exercise with proper form. Most studies indicate that if performed properly, training to failure favors the metabolic process and improves strength. Failure is (at least in part) the goal, because of the growth it supports. Taking this a step further,

You must fail in order to succeed.

Assets Gained

FAILURE: 

1. Identifies your current capacity. In order to break through your limitations you need to know what they are. And you need something to build on. Recently I watched the movie Free Solo, a documentary about the first man ever to free climb El Capitan. One of the most interesting moments was Alex Honnold’s choice to descend from his initial attempt. “Success’ meant reaching the top. This is a clear “fail”. In case you haven’t seen the movie, watch it to find out what happens next. 
2. Reveals what doesn’t work. Allison and I have been house hunting now for over five months. It has been a bit arduous. We’ve found just one home that made sense to put an offer in. And… we got out-bid. My wife has lovingly reminded me on more than one occasion that we are simply finding where we are not going to live. 
3. Reveals growth opportunities. Failure is a catalyst to grow, stretch, to improve your FORM; to get out of our comfort zone. It may be just what you need to finally access the personal and professional resources you need to realize success that you so desire.

I haven’t failed, I’ve just found 10000 ways that won’t work. -Thomas Edison 

Questions for reflection and action:

1. How do you relate to failure? How can you change this to a more powerful stance? 
2. What is your greatest failure? What did you learn?
3. Identify a recent (significant) setback. Focus on the results. What worked? What didn’t? If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently? What shifts can you make moving forward?