Learn To Fail Forward
Lesson 20: Failure is Not Personal, Permanent, or Pervasive—So Fail Forward
Failure is an inevitable part of life, but it doesn’t have to define us. One of the most transformative lessons we can learn is to fail forward—seeing failure as a learning opportunity rather than a stopping point. This mindset shift changes how we approach challenges, setbacks, and even successes.
When we redefine failure, we free ourselves from the fear of it. Failure is not personal—it doesn’t define who we are. It’s not permanent—it’s just a step along the journey. And it’s not pervasive—it doesn’t overshadow every part of our lives. These distinctions help us reframe failure as a necessary part of growth.
Fail early, fail often, but always fail forward. — John C. Maxwell
A Personal Awakening About Failure
At university, I missed an exam due to unavoidable circumstances. The lecturer, one of my favourites, graciously offered me the chance to catch up with the rest of the class. However, despite our scheduled meetings, I didn’t show up, leading to a missed opportunity and forcing me to retake the paper the following year.
While missing the opportunity to take the paper on time was a significant mistake, what struck me most was the profound disappointment my lecturer expressed. It was only then that I realized how much he believed in me and how deeply I had let him down. This experience awakened me to the importance of never taking anyone for granted, especially those who believe in you, even for the smallest reasons.
Failing forward means embracing failure as a teacher. Each setback carries insights that can refine your strategies, decisions, and skills. While the sting of failure remains, this mindset reframes it as a natural part of progress and learning.
How to Cultivate a Fail-Forward Mindset
- Change Your Perspective on Failure: Instead of fearing failure, view it as feedback. Ask yourself, “What can I learn from this experience?” Growth stems from analyzing what didn’t work and applying those lessons to future actions. If a business pitch is rejected, review your approach, seek feedback, and refine your proposal for the next opportunity.
- Detach Your Identity from Your Outcomes: Remember, you are not your failures. Success and setbacks are temporary, but your intrinsic value remains constant. Separate your worth from your achievements or mistakes. If you don’t secure a promotion, consider it an opportunity to improve rather than a reflection of your capabilities.
- Stay in Motion: Failing forward means getting up quickly after setbacks and continuing to move forward. Each attempt, regardless of the result, builds progress. After launching a product that underperforms, iterate based on customer feedback and try again rather than abandoning the idea.
- Fail Strategically: As John C. Maxwell advises, not all risks are equal. Take calculated risks and reflect on their outcomes to ensure that each failure brings you closer to success. Before scaling a business idea, test it with a small, low-risk pilot project to learn what works and what doesn’t.
- Surround Yourself with Resilient People: Connect with individuals who have learned to fail forward. Their stories of resilience can encourage you during tough times and remind you that failure is universal. Joining a professional network or mentorship group can provide insights into overcoming setbacks.
- Analyze, Don’t Ruminate: Reflect on failure constructively to uncover lessons without dwelling on negative emotions. If a relationship ends, consider what you can learn about communication and compatibility for the future.
- Be Willing to Try Again: Resilience is key. Every new attempt builds on the wisdom gained from past failures. A rejected manuscript can lead to a revision that resonates better with readers and publishers.
- Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection: Value the effort and learning in every attempt, even if the results fall short. Completing a challenging course, even if you don’t excel, builds knowledge and momentum for further growth.
Some of the world’s most successful individuals attribute their achievements to lessons learned through failure. Failure teaches resilience, sharpens strategies, and builds a foundation for future success. When you fail forward, you turn setbacks into stepping stones, propelling yourself closer to your goals.
Learning to fail forward has brought more growth into my life than success ever could. It’s not easy to embrace failure, but it’s always worth it. With the right mindset, failure becomes less about falling short and more about rising stronger.
The next time you fall, remember: failure is not personal, permanent, or pervasive. Take the lesson, get back up, and fail forward.
So,
How can you fail forward through your current challenge?
Here is a video from one of my favourite speakers – Vusi Thembekwayo on failing forward
In case you missed lesson 19, you can read it here.
Ivan Kabandize