Pride & Rejection: A Lesson in Failure

Nobody ever tells you the key to defeating failure is to embrace it. So here I am telling you.

What if I told you failure is the only path to success? Therefore, if you don't fail at least three times a week then you aren't doing enough. Yes, I just told you to pursue failure. I want you to fall down again and again. I want you to draft, delete, re-write, and hate it all over again. Why? Because failure is not about the task. It does not matter what goal you are striving toward that week. I need you to understand that right now. Failure is not about the award you never got or the good noodle sticker your fourth grade math teacher never gave you. All these goals are markers that you set. You control how they impact you. The essential part of growth is not your to-do list, your resume, or your vision board-- it's you. Failure is about who you are once you hit the ground.

You are going to fail. Accept it. You will chase after jobs, projects, and people that will never be yours. Then you will question exactly who you are and where you are meant to be. That's great. It's called reflection. Instead of letting that questioning turn into doubt use this moment as a catalyst for change. Take your moment. Let the pain settle, but do not stay down. Grab a piece of paper and write: what is causing you the most pain? where is there room for growth? how can you be better prepared next time? what steps will you take to fortify yourself for the next failure? These questions promote growth. That's the goal.

Failure is not final. Anybody who tells you otherwise is plotting on your downfall. They are invested in seeing you suffer and you need to let them go. 

So this week we are committing to failing with purpose. Consistent failure brings consistent growth. It takes time to get it right.

Remember failure does not mean ruin and progress does not mean you are complete.