Failing forward: Stumbling away until you get it right

When embarking on a Hero’s Journey, the path is seldom a straight line to success. It’s riddled with challenges, trials, and sometimes failures. But what if these failures were not roadblocks as they seem in the moment but stepping stones, guiding you toward growth and success? This is the essence of “failing forward” as a key component of learning and improving.

 
There is a Japanese term Nana Korobi Ya Oki, which means “Seven Fallen, Eight Standing.” If you fall down, make sure you get back up. Never give up hope and always strive for more. 

So what if things don’t go the way you wanted. Where do you go from there?

Detroit-based rapper Eminem uses the line “back to the lab again” in his song “Lose Yourself” when he talks about a place to about regroup after a failure. In an interview, the artist said that he wanted to write a song that would inspire people to pursue their dreams and not give up on themselves.

It’s crucial to identify a safe space, whether it’s a supportive team, a collaborative environment, or a personal project, where the consequences of failure are manageable, and the focus is on learning. A “practice field” where you can try out things.

• Risk-Taking as exploration. Risk-taking is not a sign of weakness but a form of exploration. Your lab is the space where you can test your ideas, try out unconventional approaches, and embrace the uncertainty of innovation. 
• Learning from setbacks. Heroes encounter setbacks on their journeys, and so will you. Rather than seeing failures as defeats, view them as opportunities for learning and refinement. Each stumble is a chance to reassess, adapt, and strengthen your approach. The best way to prove yourself is to improve yourself!
• Iterative progress. The hero rarely triumphs on the first attempt. Similarly, your journey most likely involves iterating on your ideas. Your lab is where you refine these initial concepts, incorporating lessons from failures to in the end make a better final product.

Heroes rarely undertake their journeys alone. Allies and mentors play pivotal roles in providing support, guidance, and sometimes, a much-needed reality check. Establishing a safe space for innovation involves cultivating relationships that foster growth. 

• Surround yourself with allies. Allies are companions who share your vision and stand by you in the face of challenges. Identify individuals who bring diverse perspectives, skills, and strengths to your approach.
• Mentors as guides. Mentors are seasoned guides who have traveled similar paths. Their wisdom and experience become invaluable assets as you navigate uncertainties. 
• Check in with yourself. Do an annual check in with yourself to see where your goals are at from where you expected to be, then adjust.

People need a safe space to fail and learn and then try again. You can help people in your life create that space. 

• Encourage prototyping. Create a space that promotes the culture of prototyping. Experimentation and rapid iteration allow for quick learning and adaptation. 
• Open communication. A safe space thrives on open communication. Foster an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing their ideas, even if they seem unconventional or risky. 
• Celebrate progress, not just success. Shift the focus from celebrating only final victories to acknowledging progress at every step. This mindset transforms the safe space into a dynamic incubator of innovation. 

 “If you set your goals ridiculously high and it’s a failure, you will fail above everyone else’s success.” —James Cameron, filmmaker 

In the hero’s journey, failure is not the end but a crucial chapter in the narrative of growth and triumph. By having a “lab” for experimentation and surrounding yourself with allies and mentors who nurture a safe haven for innovation, you turn each failure into a forward step. Celebrate wins, mourn losses, and keep going to propel you closer to success.