3. Learning from Each “Failure”
Edison’s approach teaches us to learn from each misstep. Instead of wallowing in self-pity, take a moment to assess what went wrong. Was it the ingredients? The temperature? Your kitchen witchcraft?
It’s about understanding the process and figuring out how to improve. One of the most important aspects of growth is self-reflection. After every misstep, ask yourself: What can I learn from this? How can I do better next time?
Consider this: I once decided to try my hand at stand-up comedy. How hard could it be, right? Armed with a notepad of “hilarious” jokes, I strutted onto the stage, ready to wow the crowd. Instead, I bombed. I mean, I bombed so hard that I’m pretty sure I left a crater on the floor. The laughter I anticipated quickly turned into crickets chirping louder than a summer night, and it felt like the universe was laughing at me—only not in a good way.
But instead of sulking in the corner, I reflected on the experience. I learned that timing is everything in comedy, and that maybe my jokes needed a little more pizzazz. I honed my material, worked on my delivery, and immersed myself in comedy clubs, absorbing everything I could. Each failure became an opportunity to refine my craft, and now, I can crack a joke without inducing crickets—most of the time.
4. Practical Steps to Embrace Failure
Now that we’ve established the importance of embracing failure, how can we apply this mindset in our everyday lives? Here are a few practical steps to help you turn those “failures” into valuable stepping stones.
Yes, you read that right. Consider starting a failure journal. Write down your failures and what you learned from each experience. This isn’t just about documenting the embarrassing moments; it’s about recording your growth and transformation.
It might feel weird at first, like documenting your embarrassing moments for the world to see (or in this case, just you). But trust me, the power of reflection can be transformative. When you look back, you’ll see not just failures but the paths you took to overcome them. Over time, this journal can become a testament to your resilience and determination.
When you’re faced with a challenge, break it down into smaller, manageable goals. This approach helps to reduce the fear of failure by making each step feel achievable and less daunting.
For instance, if you want to write a book, don’t start by saying, “I’m going to write a bestseller.” Instead, aim to write a page a day or even a paragraph if that feels more manageable. Each completed page is a mini-victory, and before you know it, you’ll have a manuscript that might just light up the literary world—or at least your mom’s bookshelf.
Get yourself a “failure buddy.” This is someone who understands the struggle and is willing to share their own missteps. It’s a great way to support each other and share laughs over your collective disasters.
For example, I have a friend who also attempted to start a podcast. After several failed attempts at recording—ranging from awkward silences to technical glitches—we realized we were better off laughing at our bloopers than actually producing a polished show. We’ve turned our misadventures into a mini-comedy routine, and it’s much more fun than taking ourselves seriously. Plus, we’ve built a great bond over our mutual love for flops!
When you achieve a goal, no matter how small, take a moment to celebrate. It doesn’t have to be extravagant; even a simple acknowledgment of your progress can boost your confidence and keep you motivated.
Maybe you finally got that soufflé to rise (congratulations!) or cracked a joke that landed in front of an audience. Treat yourself to something small—a favorite snack, a night off from chores, or a good movie. Celebrating your wins reinforces the idea that you’re moving forward, even if it’s one tiny step at a time.