As fall draws to a close, and the end of the calendar year is upon us, many people begin to reflect on the year that was. We consider our successes, our failures, what we want to embrace, and what we want to steer clear of in the new year.
Usually, failure is considered something to avoid. This is because failure can seem so discouraging. We often assume failure can lead to negative outcomes. Failure is inevitable, but it can also be beneficial.
Overcoming fear of failure and making mistakes can reveal new ideas and open up opportunities to learn. Taking risks can push us to think out of the box, acquire new skills, and accomplish more than we ever dreamed possible.
As you ponder your goals for the new year, consider that failure does not have to be the opposite of success; it can be a part of it. Turning failure into knowledge can be the lessons and stepping stones toward future success. Embracing failure can support us to fall forward, not backward, and help us land butter-side up in the game of life.