In Silicon Valley, where we wear failure like a badge of courage, we must consider that not all failures are *good* failures. Having witnessed first-hand and indirectly ranging from small to spectacular, my rule of thumb when experiencing failure is whether the failure moves you forward.
- Moving forward means that you’ve learned something new about yourself, and what you do well, and not so well.
- Moving forward means that you are less likely to do a similar thing again, for very specific reasons.
- Moving forward means that you build new relationships in your life that adds more meaning and perspective to what you do at work and at home.
- It also means that some important existing relationships are different and/or better.
- Moving forward means that you see the overall experience as a net positive one, despite the short-term pain and upset.
- Moving forward means that you are stronger and better and more grounded overall.
- Moving forward means people who know you and used to know you may see you now in a different light.
- Moving forward means that you can forgive yourself, and others involved and know better what to expect from yourself and those same others in future projects.
- Moving forward means that you have a broader, deeper view of the world, and the people and technologies and things in it.
- Moving forward means that you are better and braver and more prepared for the next adventure.
As we go into a new year, look for opportunities to succeed, reach for stars, and if you have to fail, fail forward.
Tags: entrepreneurship, leadership
