Confronted with a decision, our gut instinct is to choose the path that avoids failure. Which path is less likely to result in failure? That is not necessarily a good or bad thing in itself.
However, when we look at the decisions we make throughout the day, how many times did we take the safe path? How many times did we take the ‘riskier’ path that could have resulted in failure but also a greater reward in the end?
It is an instinct to choose the easy path to our chosen version of success. Nine times out of ten if we knew one path would give us less than modest returns, but require little effort. We would end up taking that road. What about the other road? A little more effort but instead of a 1/2 step forward it is a leap?! How do you get that reward? You have to be willing to accept failure.
Failure in itself it not bad.
If you fail, you will learn more from your experience and be able to move forward faster and with more knowledge.
We know this from famous quotes about failure being the first step to success.
“Failure isn’t fatal, but failure to change might be” – John Wooden
“If you don’t try at anything, you can’t fail… it takes back bone to lead the life you want” – Richard Yates
“You build on failure. You use it as a stepping stone. Close the door on the past. You don’t try to forget the mistakes, but you don’t dwell on it. You don’t let it have any of your energy, or any of your time, or any of your space.” – Johnny Cash
Rethink what failure is. Why have we classified it as bad thing? If your choices that you made throughout the day were down the ‘risky’ path imagine where you would be at the end of the day.
Leaps and bounds from where you woke up, instead of a 1/2 step from where you were.
Make it the best day!
-K
