Failure is a word laced with a heavy dose of negative connotations. We fear it, avoid it, and feel embarrassed by it. But what if failure wasnât something to fear? What if failure was a stepping stone on the path to success? Enter the concept of âfailing forwardââthe idea that each failure is an opportunity for growth, learning, and iteration.
What is Failing Forward?
Failing forward isnât just about making mistakes; itâs about actively using those mistakes as fuel for progress. Itâs a practice of self-directed learning and iteration, where each misstep becomes a lesson in what didnât work and a clue to what might work next time. Failing forward flips the script on traditional notions of success and failureâby treating failure as an essential part of the journey, not a roadblock.
At its core, failing forward is about embracing a growth mindset. Instead of seeing failure as the end, itâs seen as a valuable source of information. When we fail forward, we arenât just recovering from mistakesâweâre learning from them in real time, applying new insights, and adjusting our approach to improve the next iteration. Failure is a part of the process.
Why Failing Forward Matters
Failure Cultivates Resilience
When we fail, we build the resilience needed to tackle bigger challenges. Resilience comes from understanding that failure is not a reflection of our worth or potential but a natural part of any creative or professional process. Each failure makes us stronger, more prepared, and better equipped to face future obstacles.
Failure Fuels Innovation
Most breakthroughs in innovation come from trial and error. When we allow ourselves the freedom to fail, we create space for experimentation and out-of-the-box thinking. In fact, some of the most successful companies in the world (like Google and Tesla) are known for fostering cultures that encourage risk-taking and learning from failure. Failing forward is the foundation for exploring uncharted territory, trying new things, and discovering unexpected solutions.
Failure Drives Self-Directed Learning
Failing forward requires introspection and self-awareness. After each failure, the practice is to ask, âWhat did I learn? What will I do differently next time?â This reflection fosters deep, self-directed learning, helping us develop skills and insights that no textbook or lecture can teach. Instead of waiting for someone else to tell us what went wrong, we take ownership of our learning journey.
How do we fail forward?
Imagine youâre trying to learn a new skill, like coding or pottery. Your first attempts are roughâyour code wonât compile, or your clay pots keep collapsing on the wheel. Instead of feeling defeated, use each failed attempt to learn. You troubleshoot your code and refine your pottery technique, and with each iteration, you get better. Slowly but surely, those initial failures lead to breakthroughs. Slowly the failures happen further along in the process.
At Make Santa Fe, we see failing forward as an essential part of the maker ethos. When we create, we experiment. Sometimes we break things. But each time we fail, we learn, improve, and try again. Itâs this iterative process of trial and error that leads to innovation, growth, and ultimately, success.
So, the next time you find yourself face-to-face with failure, donât retreat. Step forward, reflect, learn, and try again. Because every failure brings you one step closer to your next success.