In our hyper-competitive world, the idea of failure is often surrounded by a shroud of negativity. We're conditioned to avoid it at all costs, equating success with an unblemished record. However, what if I told you that embracing failure, rather than fearing it, can lead to greater success in both personal and professional realms? Let's dive into the concept of "Let It Fail" and explore why allowing failure can be a powerful catalyst for growth and innovation.
The Perils of Avoiding Failure
When we constantly strive to avoid failure, we inadvertently create an environment of stress and fear. This mindset can stifle creativity, hinder risk-taking, and lead to burnout. Holding onto outdated beliefs or unproductive methods simply because they are safe can be detrimental. Instead, by letting go of the need for perfection, we open the door to new possibilities.
Relevant Insights:
"Holding on does more harm than good and letting go feels risky; what if you lose?" – It’s essential to understand that holding onto something that isn't working can cause more harm than taking the risk to let it fail.
"Broken you're coping but don't let it serve you; we can let it go." – Sometimes, it’s better to let go of broken systems or ideas and allow space for new growth.
The Power of Letting It Fail
Fosters Innovation: By allowing failure, we create a safe space for experimentation. Innovation thrives in environments where failure is seen as a learning opportunity rather than a setback. Companies like Google and Apple encourage their employees to experiment, fail, and learn, leading to groundbreaking innovations.
Builds Resilience: Facing failure head-on builds mental and emotional resilience. It teaches us to cope with setbacks and bounce back stronger. Resilience is a crucial trait for personal growth and professional success.
Encourages Learning and Growth: Failure provides invaluable lessons. When we analyze our failures, we gain insights into what went wrong and how to improve. This process is integral to personal and professional development.
Relevant Insights:
"Letting go so think about that box of things you're trying to hold on to." – Reflect on what you're holding onto and the potential benefits of letting go.
"Catch it and then shame you about it." – Accepting failure without self-criticism is vital for moving forward.
Personal Story: Embracing Failure in My Career
My last manager at my previous employer once told me to "Let It Fail." Initially, I was skeptical and hesitant, but I decided to follow his advice. Letting it fail was only part of why I was laid off. However, this experience taught me invaluable lessons.
While at that job, and 4 years before my last manager, I stood up a pretty decent Zabbix deployment to gather the data we needed. Too many big-money decisions were being made based solely on assumptions - millions of $$. I built out Zabbix to dive into the data and address these assumptions. When I needed leadership's help to scale the project, I didn't receive the necessary support. So, I let it fail.
My manager would often ask me to fix specific issues with Zabbix. I intentionally gaslit him, a response to the way he had treated me from day one. I let it fail.
The Struggle with Personal Health
On the health front, my body is failing, but I refuse to let it fail completely. Despite years of effort, I am still here, though physically limited. I walk a razor-thin line to prevent constant flare-ups, fighting not to fail completely. However, I have to let things fail on our farm, as my mind often pushes my body too far. How far will I fail? Only time will tell.
The Bigger Picture: Letting Societal Systems Fail
On the world front, many leaders are not leading us towards a better future; they are leading us towards complete failure. The games they play are setting the rest of us up for utter failure. What if enough people stop playing the game? What if we let it fail? There are plenty of legitimate gripes to go around, and our systems are covered in metaphorical band-aids. What happens when we let it fail?
Relevant Insights:
"There are plenty of legitimate gripes to go around. There's enough band-aids on the systems. What happens when we let it fail?" – By acknowledging and addressing the inherent flaws in our systems, we can pave the way for meaningful change.
Practical Steps to Embrace Failure
Shift Your Mindset: Start by changing your perspective on failure. View it as a stepping stone rather than a stumbling block. Celebrate your efforts and the lessons learned, regardless of the outcome.
Create a Safe Environment: Whether in a corporate setting or personal life, create an environment where failure is not feared. Encourage open communication and celebrate attempts, not just successes.
Reflect and Learn: After a failure, take the time to reflect on what went wrong and why. Use this knowledge to make informed decisions in the future. Keep a failure journal to document your learnings.
Take Calculated Risks: Embrace risk-taking by evaluating the potential outcomes and preparing for possible failure. This approach minimizes the fear of the unknown and encourages proactive problem-solving.
Relevant Insights:
"Serve us, we can let them go; it's kind." – Letting go of what no longer serves us is an act of kindness towards ourselves.
"Do let's say they do the thing you ask; then shame about it." – Do not let the fear of shame deter you from taking risks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the mantra "Let It Fail" is a powerful reminder that failure is not the enemy. By embracing failure, we unlock the doors to innovation, resilience, and growth. Let go of the fear, take calculated risks, and remember that every failure is a step closer to success. After all, it’s not about avoiding failure but learning to rise each time we fall.
I've been failing uphill my entire life. I'd appreciate it if folks in better positions than I am stop throwing boulders as I crawl uphill now. Embrace the power of failure and let it be the force that propels you towards greater heights.