Defining failure

Failure is a part of our lives. We think and talk about it often. Some say failure is good. Some say failure is bad. In reality, it just is.

If I asked you to define failure, what would you say? Here’s how I think about it.

The dictionary defines failure as “lack of success.” This is not useful by itself.

The dictionary defines success as “the accomplishment of an aim or purpose.”

So, failure is “lack of the accomplishment of an aim or purpose.” This is too complex.

Rewriting with simpler words, failure is lack of achieving a goal.

This definition is useful. It exposes a few truths about failure.

First, failure is dependent on having a goal. You can’t fail if you don’t have one.

Second, every goal starts with failure. The minute you set a goal, you are experiencing failure.

Third, failure is a state. It only ends when a goal is accomplished or modified. There is no other way.

Fourth, failure leads to learning. To accomplish a goal, you must try things. When you try things, you learn what works and what doesn’t. This learning might lead to success. It might lead to more learning. Or it might lead you to modify your goal.

Finally, failure is where meaning hides. Failure is what you experience on the journey to success. And that journey is the reward.

What are you failing at right now? Nothing? That’s too bad.