"Success is sometimes the outcome of a whole string of failures" - Vincent van Gogh.
Looking from the outside, successful people may seem like
they have never experienced failure. All we see are the measures of outward
success, i.e., fame, money, and all the tangible and material possessions.
We can deceive ourselves by saying that successful people
have always been successful and never suffered setbacks and failures.
After all, we are not there with them every step of the way
to see their journey; we only see the fruits of success.
I am by no stretch of anyone’s imagination, Van Gogh, but I
have failed many times before I could take laps of success.
I have failed in securing some of my most coveted jobs, only
to find success and be rewarded by landing a job that fits my skillset and
passion.
The list of failures followed by success can continue, but
you get the point.
Understanding Failure
But we must define failure. Failure is not the end of your
career or the end of something you are most passionate about. Failure is
falling, not getting up, and giving up on the beautiful things life can give
you.
Society sometimes perceives failure as the be-all and end of
all things. But I love the quote in Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables,” Even the
darkest night will end, and the sun will rise.” This quote captures what it
truly means to go from failure to success. It gives hope that failure is only
temporary until your subsequent victory.
We have to reframe failure as a bump on the road or an
obstacle we must overcome until our subsequent success. Failure has such a
negative connotation that we are afraid to take risks because we fear failure.
And because of that fear, we are paralyzed into inaction. But we must act,
fail, fail, and succeed. We must come to terms with the fact that it is just
part of the journey.
Vincent van Gogh: A
Story of Resilience
Vincent van Gogh's journey is a powerful example of
resilience and determination in the face of adversity, offering valuable
lessons for leaders navigating their challenges. Throughout his career, van
Gogh encountered numerous obstacles, including financial struggles, mental
health issues, and a lack of recognition for his artistic talent. Despite these
adversities, he remained unwavering in his commitment to his passion for art.
As leaders, we often face rejection and criticism from
various stakeholders, just as van Gogh did from the art establishment and
society. Our innovative ideas and unconventional approaches may be
misunderstood or unappreciated by our contemporaries. Yet, van Gogh's story
reminds us to stay true to our vision, even in adversity. Like van Gogh, we
must continue pursuing our goals fervently, pouring our heart and soul into our
work.
Van Gogh's perseverance and resilience are particularly
relevant for leaders navigating turbulent times or facing personal challenges.
Despite facing numerous setbacks, van Gogh never lost sight of his purpose. He
found solace and purpose in his art, using it as a means of self-expression and
catharsis. Similarly, leaders can find strength and resilience by staying
connected to their core values and purpose, even amid adversity.
Ultimately, van Gogh's journey teaches us that success is
not defined by external validation or material wealth but by our passion,
resilience, and unwavering commitment to our vision. Like van Gogh's iconic
Sunflower paintings, our efforts may not always be immediately recognized or
appreciated. Still, with perseverance, dedication, and resilience, we can leave
a lasting legacy that inspires others to embrace their challenges, follow their
passions, and never lose sight of their dreams.
Leaders can learn from failure. It can help with decision-making
ability. Chances are that, as a leader, you have failed because of a decision
you made. In light of that experience, when confronted with a similar decision,
you will now have the expertise and background to make different decisions from
before.
Failure can be a catalyst for growth. Elon Musk comes to
mind, who uses failure as a launching pad for growth. Musk is highly regarded
as one of the most successful entrepreneurs of our time. But his road to
success has been paved by failure.
In 2008, SpaceX faced a major setback when its Falcon 1
rocket failed to reach orbit for the third consecutive time. While this was
disastrous, Musk embraced the failure as an opportunity for growth and
learning.
Musk and his team analyzed the causes of the problems and
identified areas for improvement, working tirelessly to address them. The
embrace of the failure and its learned lessons made it possible for SpaceX to
successfully launch the first privately funded liquid-fueled rocket into orbit
with its Falcon 1 Flight 4 mission just one year later.
Musk and SpaceX have been propelled to success by his
willingness to embrace failure as a catalyst for growth.
Strategies for
Embracing Failure
One way is to shift our mindset towards failure. Failure
should be viewed as a natural part of the learning process rather than
something that should be feared and avoided. It’s natural to feel fear, so
embrace and accept the feeling, but do not avoid it just because it feels
uncomfortable. Remember that there is no growth in comfort zones.
If you lead a team, make sure it is safe so that team
members can experiment and take risks without the fear of reprisal. As leaders,
we must create an environment where ideas thrive and flourish, and creating a
safe place is an environment where growth happens.
Lead by example by discussing your failures. It does two
things. It demonstrates that failure has contributed to your personal and
professional growth. Second, it allows them to share their failures, not hide
them, and learn from them.
Conclusion
Failure is not a death knell. As Oliver Staley states in his
Harvard Business Review article “Why Failure is Good,” it can actually be a
path to success. It might not feel good, but it is good for learning, adapting,
and decision-making.
Also, in her book “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success,
Carol S. Dweck argues that individuals with a growth mindset who see challenges
and failures as opportunities for growth are more likely to achieve success in
various aspects of life.
So embrace failure, do not avoid it, do not fear it. But look
at it as an opportunity to land you on your subsequent success.
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