The Importance of Failing
So often we are caught up with the pressure to perform, thrive and achieve success by any means possible. With the omnipresence of social media it is easier than ever to compare ourselves to the accomplishments of others, signalled by constant LinkedIn posts and Facebook announcements.
However, this ‘fake it to you make it’ mentality is especially heralded by those in the startup community. Sometime this way of thinking can lead to positive outcomes and the creation of amazing innovations if things go to plan. However, it can also lead to disastrous outcomes (e.g. the downfall of Theranos and Elizabeth Holmes.) In a world that is driven by success and recognition, it’s important to step back and remind yourself that it is okay to fail!
Why it is okay (and even necessary) to fail
Sometimes failure occurs gradually, in times where your efforts are just not enough to pull you to the finish line. Other times, failure appears as if from nowhere and it causes quite a shock to your system. Whatever the circumstances, failure is a sign that something isn’t working. Whether it be a failed exam or test or the failure of a launch of a new app, it is a sign that something has to change.
This may entail the changing of your study habits, better time management skills or something that isn’t working in your business plan. While it may be hard to process at first, failing at something can so often lead to better circumstances and outcomes once you have taken the time to implement these changes.
Furthermore, failure can often prevent us from pursuing our dreams and ideas out of the fear of falling short. It’s so important to recognise that if you have a problem that you want to work towards, whatever efforts you can dedicate towards solving it can help change the world. If you are able to help just one person or spread awareness to the people closest to you, then it is indeed not a failure.
In a personal and heartfelt post on LinkedIn, Jane Kou shared about her experience of shutting down Bring Me Home, a food waste tech startup that she founded four years ago. Bring Me Home gave users access to discounted, unsold food from hundreds of retailers, cafes and restaurants, with the aim of reducing food waste in Australia.
An excerpt of Jane’s Farewell Post
As Jane describes in her farewell letter, COVID-19 disrupted the company’s operations as hundreds of food retailers and restaurants shut down amidst lockdowns. While the company managed to stay afloat by offering a subscription box service from food waste, but it was not enough to scale as a business, prompting the difficult decision to stop operations entirely.
While the company has ceased to exist, it’s important to realise the amazing things that Bring Me Home achieved in its four years of operation, which never would have happened had it not launched. As a community of dedicated employees, they built a brand-for-purpose that customers resonated with, achieved B-Corp status, prevented over 20 tonnes of perfectly good food from going to landfill and planted 645 trees in countries impacted by bushfires. These things can hardly count as failures, in any sense of the word.
Food waste continues to be a pressing problem in Australia, however, the magnificent work that Bring Me Home achieved helped to minimise this issue and empower people and business along their journey.
What to do after you’ve failed
It can be difficult to deal with failure, especially when you’ve dedicated a lot to something. However, it is worth noting that many more incredible things are in arm’s length and that you will go on to achieve greater things in the future.
Reflect upon your experience and take what you’ve learnt onto your next venture. This time around you won’t be starting from square zero, but with a heap more of knowledge and expertise. After that, you may fail again in which you can repeat the process, or you will finally achieve what you’ve been hoping for. Resilience and courage are such important skills to have in your career.
All in all, don’t ever let the fear of failing ever prevent you from trying something worth doing. Good luck!
