In Celebration of Failure

“Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.” - Winston Churchill

Failure deserves to be celebrated. I am serious. Celebrated in the truest sense. Now granted, the first time I heard this idea during my coach training it did not sit well with me at all. Well, I guess the more accurate statement would be that it did not sit well with the perfectionist in me. She was completely hot and bothered by this radical concept! How could I possibly associate the word celebrate with failure? It was hard enough to digest even the thought of failure all by itself. Sound familiar by chance?

Fast forward to today. I am now thankful to report that I enthusiastically embrace the relationship between failure and celebration..two experiences that previously seemed worlds apart. While I admit that I still struggle with fully LIVING this new perspective at times, I am absolutely committed to the journey. I have come to appreciate the significant price I pay if I am trying to avoid failure at all costs. Constantly playing it safe would dramatically shrink my life. And my core values around growth and adventure point me in a very different direction..one that is grounded in a determination to celebrate failure and support others in doing the same.

Before going any further with this idea, I do feel compelled to make a distinction that is central to this conversation. Failing does not mean that you are a failure. I believe this bears repeating. Failing does not mean that you are a failure. In fact, WHAT YOU ARE is a unique, beautiful, marvelous being having a human experience. And as a human being, it is inevitable that you will fail sometimes, maybe even a lot of times. You are simply doing your job of being perfectly imperfect. I don't know about you, but I definitely need this reminder now and then!

So you might want to check in with yourself around any stories you may be telling about failure. What do you have it mean? What perspective are you living in? During your investigation, if you find the slightest hint of judgment, I challenge you to immediately replace it with respect for the role that failure plays in our ultimate unfolding. Now let's get back to why on earth we would want to go so far as to celebrate failure.

First of all, failure is a place of deep, deep learning. Lessons that come to us through failure tend to be poignant and lasting, providing invaluable insights that support us in moving forward more effectively. We are gifted with an opportunity to know ourselves on a whole new level. Recall a time in your life when you have failed miserably. What golden nugget did you take away from the experience? How would you describe the new dimension of yourself that was discovered? Undoubtedly, if we can be open, wildly curious and willing students, failure promises to be an outstanding teacher.

Secondly, experiencing failure often means that you stepped up and took a risk. Bravo! It is vital to acknowledge and honor the courage you called forth in the act of expanding. When it comes to fully recognizing how brave and courageous you can be, what are your tendencies? Do you really see it? If we are overly focused on actions and outcome, we run the risk of glossing over who we are BEING in our lives, which is a significant part of our success. Be sure you take the time to notice the impressive inner work you are accomplishing as you navigate your external world.

Finally, celebrating failure offers unlimited freedom. Once you give yourself permission to fail and realize that you can thrive on the other said of it, serious momentum can build for immense growth. The fear of failure no longer holds you back. What a joyous place to step into. You are exquisitely setting the stage for a truly rich life.

As for me, I will be holding a vision of us all inhabiting the world with a deep willingness to fail. I can already imagine the intense aliveness that would be palpable and the exhilarating growth and freedom we would all enjoy,. And of course, celebrating it all in style would be the luscious icing on the cake.