The think (here) Blog

***Note- If you already know how to "fail-forward" or see failure as a positive "stepping stone" on the path to success, you don't need to read any further.  Thanks for stopping by, see you next post.  However, if you view failure as nothing but a negative entity, and have not embraced it for what it truly is, this post is for you (I'm talking to you Chris Brogan).***

As the first ever #FAILweek nears (FEB 1st-5th), one thing has become abundantly clear; There is a serious rift in our attitudes toward failure.  The question is simple: Can failure be positive?

In preparation for #FAILweek, Tt(h)B reached out to a number of successful bloggers and entrepreneurs.  A number of responses appeared tinted with the mentality that failure was a bad thing.

While failure is (generally) the less desired outcome between a variety of options, it can serve as one of the most valuable tools for personal growth, learning, and understanding.  (You just have to make sure you are doing it right.)

I will expand in greater detail why we need to embrace our failures durring #FAILweek, but for now I will focus on three tips to ensure you are failing to the best of your ability:

1. Truly give it 100%- By tackling anything with literally 'everything you've got', you can be sure that if you do fail, it was (as the saying goes) 'not for a lack of trying'.  Failing when you are giving 100% will present you with the edge of your expanding universe of possibilities.  It will teach you more in an instant than you could possibly absorb from a lifetime of theory. 

2. Admit, Learn, and Adapt- It is essential that you take a step back and analyze your situation from a distance.  Did your plan fail?  GREAT! Now own it, embrace it, and talk about it.  By admitting that things are not as they should be, you invite and have the ability to engage in a discussion (either internal or external) that will help you actually learn from your experience.  Failure gives you a new perspective, a new data point, and a new set of rules to play by. Change your strategy and gear up to take action once again.

3. Don't Quit- If you follow just one rule make it this one.  Ask yourself- Have I succeeded yet? No? Don't stop until you do. There is no easier, more effective, and (unfortunately) more neglected rule to failing to the best of your ability. 

How else are you making sure to fail to the best of your ability?  Leave a comment below, or join us for the first ever #FAILweek kicking off February 1st.  Be sure to leave your link in the McLinky area if you are participating so others can easily find your post.