The Importance of Failure

by Ben Courdavault

The definition of failure is a lack of success or the inability to meet an expectation. This can range from failing at a test, losing in a race or even something bigger like a business failure. The vast majority of failures we experience are not drastically life-changing, but instead can be seen as an opportunity for learning. Despite this, so many people fear the idea of failing even though failure has been attributed to many key qualities, such as resilience. So why are we so scared of failing and why is failure so important in helping us to become better people?

Failure is often associated with negativity; emotions such as embarrassment, shame, and anger. What people often forget is that failure is so important in succeeding; it allows us to examine what went wrong and improve for next time. This can be applied to almost any situation. Take sport, for example; failing in sport is such a key factor to winning. Before someone is able to reach the top level in sport, they will have failed before, and after each failure it is an opportunity for development and asking yourself how you could better your performance. This is especially true with many elite athletes, with a notable example being Babe Ruth, one of the most well known American baseball players in the 1900s. Among his achievements is his record 714 home runs during his career, which is the 3rd highest of all time. However, before this Babe Ruth held the record for the most number of strikeouts (batter gets out without making contact with the ball) for almost a decade, at 1330. A more recent example of failure within sport can be seen by Michael Jordan, who has lost almost 300 games and missed more than 9000 shots in his career. However, these failures have helped to make Michael Jordan the legend who he is today; 6 time NBA champion and 2-time Olympic gold medallist.

It is not only in sport where failure is crucial, but also in day-to-day life. Failure helps us to grow and develop as a person; it teaches us what went wrong and what we need to improve and this ultimately could lead to success. The phrase ‘growth mindset’ comes from the idea that abilities aren’t fixed and can be improved upon. Failure is such a key idea in a growth mindset, where setbacks and failures are used as a way of learning.  Elizabeth Day, author of the 2020 book ‘Failosophy’, suggests that failure is ‘data acquisition- information and feedback that we can put to good use.’ Failures aren’t only seen as obstacles, but as an opportunity for improvement. This can be used in everyday life; if one fails a test, it is an opportunity to establish what went wrong and learn from it. 

We are often taught from a young age that failure should be avoided as much as possible, which leads us to fear this concept. However, there are huge differences between failing and making mistakes. Mistakes are often described as a repeated failure or a misguided attempt that you should have avoided. It is important to learn from our failures so they don't turn into mistakes. 

We often look back on our failures and gain a sense of perspective, realising that they weren’t as damaging as we perceived them to be at the time. By experiencing different types of failures, learning from them and moving forward, we build resilience and are better able to cope in the future. Failure is only temporary and there will almost always be alternatives; it only causes permanent damage if we make a choice not to learn from our failures.

Overall, failure is a part of everyone’s life, and if it is used as a learning opportunity, failure can be hugely beneficial for our development. It also teaches us to grow and accept that life will not go our way all the time. If we try to avoid failure, it leads to not taking risks and seizing opportunities for fear of failure. We cannot expect to reach our full potential if we don't challenge ourselves and be prepared to fail. Remember, if you never fail, it means you are not trying hard enough.