I record my failures, here's why
A retrospect of why I thought recording my failures would be good for me and why I would advise anyone to do so. Sit tight!
I used to think a failure post was silly. For me, "failure" conjured up images of subjects like math and science where you either got it right or wrong - there was not much to learn from the mistakes.
However, as I've grown in my practice and gotten more comfortable sharing my successes on social media, I found that the fear of being judged as a "failure" held me back from reaching my goals.
I write this piece not because I want anyone to see me as a failure, but rather the opposite: I hope to provoke people to start discussing their failures openly - they are part of any learning process.
We all have failed before
One of the most important things I've learned from failure is that you can't succeed at everything. There is always a road that leads to a dead-end, a shot you miss or the projects you can't finish. That is OK.
I believe everyone has failed at least once or twice, if not countless times. I have done too in most things trying to pursue my path to expertise. Just thinking: if you don't fail, how else can you distinguish what is possible from what's not?
Frankly, less often will you see someone posting that they failed. I'll admit, however, that it is not easy sharing your disappointments with strangers on the internet - especially in this world where everyone is "winning".
It's also important to note that there must be some goal or expectation for success for something to be considered a failure.
I once failed to secure a slot at The Emerging Leaders Program by Akimbo. For me then, my goal was to better my leadership skills. (My leadership journey is a retrospect on its own).
It is indeed hard not to give up on your goals when you consistently fail at them. Also, people are likely to judge you for failing. Regardless, does that mean that failure is the end? No. You never stop - I never did.
It is time for heresy!
Many people are enamoured with the idea of success and yet fail to focus on the inevitable failure that comes with pursuing any given goal. They also tend to only reflect on their successes, meaning they're likely unaware of the myriad letdowns they've encountered.
Survivorship bias is the idea that leads people to believe that success is more common than it is actually.
Abraham Wald, in 1943, helped the American Bombers during World War II by focusing on the planes that never came back - he focused on the failures!
If we can learn from the failures, then we should treat each failure as an opportunity to learn something new, not just give up and quit. We should be excited and find ways to use our failures to find success.
The CV of Failures
"Most of what I try fails, but these failures are often invisible, while the successes are visible." - Johannes Haushofer.
In 2016, Johannes Haushofer - a psychology and public affairs professor, published his CV of failures online for everyone to see. The CV, unlike the conventional ones, included: the degree programs he didn't get into, research funding he failed to secure, the papers submitted that got rejected from academic journals and the awards and scholarships he didn't get.
The irony behind the CV of failures is that it received more attention than his entire academic work. "This darn CV of Failures has received way more attention than my entire body of academic work," he added as his meta-failure.
A failure is not an indication of personal incompetence but a step toward learning. Failing is everywhere and happens to the best of us.
I learned to make better applications after receiving several regretful emails.
3 Lessons
These are some lessons I have learnt from failed attempts which may help you too!
Failure is a part of success.
I'm sure that most of us agree that you cannot succeed without failing first. Success is not an outcome of perfection but an accumulated result of failures and errors. Your success in life should not be measured by what you achieve but by how you handle your failures.
Failure is a stepping stone.
Use it as an opportunity for your success.
"If failure is not an option, then neither is success." - Seth Godin.
Failures act as a supporting tool to make you progress towards your goals with a timeline and targeted outcome in mind.
It's a great life lesson!
Instead of being discouraged and depressed when you fall short, you should celebrate that you have learned something from your mistakes! Failures are not the end but rather just a step to be taken forward towards progress.
3 Reasons
So why do I bother keeping a record of my failures?
A way to learn and acknowledge mistakes
As a young professional, I know that it's easy to lose motivation and focus when things aren't going so well. Writing down my failures helps me see where I went wrong and what I can do differently in the future. It's like taking a step back and looking at the bigger picture instead of focusing on the obstacles.
A way for you to celebrate your successes!
Keeping a record of my failures acts as a way for me to celebrate my small wins. I have the habit of writing down the highs and lows of my life. It makes me not forget the great and not-so-great times of my life.
A way to keep motivated and boost self-confidence
Sometimes, we need that motivation and realization of our capabilities to push us toward our goals! When you see what you have achieved in the past, you will pat yourself on the back and be motivated.
P.S. Post-Mortem
Someone might argue that it's much easier to talk about failure from the vantage of success. Yes. I may also not be in anyone's shoes to have the due to speak on their behalf. Yes.
Nonetheless, I have walked the walk and trodden the path. I know what it's like to be stopped in your tracks, to have setback after setback, and to feel like you may never get back on track. But against all odds, I am here - not there yet.
A simple "I failed at X" will suffice to give yourself a little boost and remind yourself that you're not alone!
Ꭱαɳԃσ𝓶 ᑭσട𝜏 ᙏσɾ𝜏ҽ𝓶ട
tinegachris