Failing Forward: Moving on From Mistakes

Whether it's in business, family, career, health - everyone is looking to succeed at something. The path to success seems to be paved with perfect steps, but most successful people will tell you the opposite is true. Failing fast and failing forward is how we achieve our goals. 

It’s easy to get in our heads about our past failures and missteps, preventing ourselves from starting again, or better yet, starting at all. How do we reframe failure and not let mistakes keep us from moving forward? Here are a few key things to consider:

Have the courage to step into new spaces in the first place. Be brave enough to put yourself out there. Learn that skill you’ve been talking about for ages or get yourself in a room with that person you’ve been hoping to work with. Approach your goals as a student and you’ll begin to reframe mistakes as learning curves, knowing that there is always room for growth.

Shoot for the stars with your feet on the ground.  When entering new territory, whether it be a job, a hobby, or a new environment, know that you might make mistakes - and that’s okay! Match that initial expectation with high hopes for success and increase, shooting for a goal that you can work towards.

Make a mental checklist for handling the stress that comes with failure. If you are anything like us, failure can come with lots of anxiety. Reframe your failure and move towards your goal by combating that anxiety with a mental checklist. Ours sounds something like this:

1. Did I Fail, or Did I Learn Something New?

Real knowledge is gained through experience, so it's easy to confuse failure with learning. Reframe your failure by focusing on what you learned, not what you did or didn’t do wrong. 

2. What Am I Afraid Of?

Make a list of things you’re afraid will happen because of your mistakes. Then make a list of what you’ll accomplish if you move forward in spite of them. Address those fears and get excited about what’s to come once you buckle down and apply your new knowledge.

3. Who Can Help Me Focus and Reframe?

Know that you’re not the first one to fail. When you can share your failures with someone who can help you reframe, it will be easier to fail forward until you get it right.

Now dust yourself off and try again. Get back at it! You are on your way to success, no matter how many times you’ve had to work out the kinks. Fail fast and fail forward until you get to where God is taking you, having faith that no matter how long it takes, He’ll get you there on time.