Let's talk about failure for a moment, shall we? It's an uncomfortable topic that doesn't get discussed much and I think it should. Because we all fail. And we shouldn't be ashamed of it. I recently shared the story of one of my failures with the team at 99 Walks for a podcast. I believe it will be posted this week if you want to listen to the full story, but here's the cliff notes version.
Many years ago I moved from Virginia to North Carolina and had to get a new drivers license and take a test. I went to the DMV, took the test and failed it. Now, this wasn't a driving test but the test where they ask you the questions about how far to park from a stop sign and such. And I failed it. I didn't study. I assumed (wrongly) that because I've been driving for a long time I knew this stuff. (I didn't) And I also thought I could out-smart the DMV so I drove to a 2nd location that same day and took the test again. And failed it. Again. Yes, I failed the drivers license test twice in one day. Not one of my better moments.
Upon that 2nd failure I took the book, went home and studied and the next day took the test and passed it. Failure is embarrassing. I was embarrassed that I failed the test. Twice! But, I wasn't prepared. Had I taken time to review beforehand I probably would have passed the first time and saved myself from three DMV trips in 2 days. Such a valuable lesson learned about the importance of preparation.
While failing isn't fun, if you can pick yourself up and learn from it, then failure isn't so bad. I think Lady Gaga said it perfectly in her Oscars speech. Did you see it? If not, here it is. I could watch this over and over again. (Ok, I have watched it over and over again!)
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