So much of our culture today teaches us to resist failure, as if it’s in some way toxic.

Even school kids know this, raising their hands high when they know they’re right, retreating into the chair when they’re unsure of themselves. We see it in adult life too, with ex-sports stars, ex-politicians and ex-entrepreneurs all learning what it’s like to see the spotlight pass over them.

And yet when we retreat from failure we run the risk of missing out on a valuable set of lessons;

persistence,
reflection,
adaptation,
resilience,
courage,
self-awareness,
collaboration

and so much more besides.

That’s why the playwright and author Samuel Beckett wrote these words:

“Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better.”

For those who create, failure is not just an option, it’s an essential.

Reuben