Every month the 9 of us blog on the same subject, and this month's headline is: Failure sucks... but instructs!!
I learnt basic silversmithing skills a few years ago, and quickly became the most prolific member of the class. I was also the ONLY one who made ALL the mistakes under the sun… but I could not help it, this was the way I learnt then, I wanted quick results and I wanted to try everything my way. I remember feeling like someone who invented something new every time, so when I fluffed up (and I did countless times…), I just kept on trying… It was fantastic!!! I lost time and money, but I also learnt LOADS. Now I am able to imagine the end result before starting a project. Had I not ‘failed’ so many times, I would not have been able to learn that particular skill. And that’s just one example, but it is a very important skill for me personally. I also got technically better and although I am not silversmithing at the moment, when I do go back to it I will not make the same mistakes again. Invaluable LEARNING. No 'failures' there!!
So what’s failure? The opposite of success? No, I personally believe it is an integral part of success. I believe one just can’t become successful without being the best at what one does, and you are the best because you know what works and what doesn’t work for you. So one will 'fail' along the way BUT learn from one’s mistakes. I believe failure is finding out something that does not work; the word failure does not have to convey the bad vibe, the negative connotation, the sinking feeling of something final, on the contrary, ask yourself why it did not work and your next project will be better.
I also believe that with businesses like ours, we have to be prepared to take risks in order to move forward, and by accepting to take risks, we must also accept to make mistakes along the way. These are not ‘failures’, they are part of a growing business that’s going somewhere... :)
Please go and visit the other Merry-Go-Rounders to see their views on this subject, you will find direct links on the sidebar.
Thanks for your visit!!
Posts
7 comments:
Excellent post Fabs. I didn't know that you did silversmithing... I wonder how your pieces are...hmm,m.. do you miss it? are you planning on going back to it?
I agree with you in what you say. I actually don't like the word failure for the defeat it seems to convey in it's meaning (or the negative meaning we attach to it). But I do believe (call it whatever you want to call it) that wuthout falling down you don't learn much.
I like your positive slant on failures! I totally agree. Why has it become such a negative word. The "f" word!
There is so much wisdom in what you wrote. Failure is part of success and dear to take risk. I learn a lot here. Thank you so much!
I had to laugh at your "wanting to do things your way"— that is so very much like me! Always was (witht the consequences you describe). Still is, I'm afraid.
I love the way you put it and actually state that there can be no succeeding except through failing...
You are so right! 'Failure' immediately brings negative images to mind - defeatist and demoralising images. But it shouldn't!
It really should be the beginnings of a journey - to discover new processes, new outlooks and confidence in our abilities and successes - you captured it beautifully, Fabs.
No more 'F' word!
I am definitely getting a feeling that non of us merry-go-round bloggers define our mistakes as failures. I love this positive outlook - it says a lot about a person and perhaps this is why our small businesses and skills keep growing. Our mistakes are our teachers.
Do you know what, I think you are absolutely right! We do learn by making our mistakes, in what ever form they come in that's what shapes who we become.
Thank you for sharing!
Sxx
Post a Comment