Failure: A Stepping Stone to Success

Failure is often seen as the absence of achieving a desired goal, and it can be perceived as the opposite of success. However, it is crucial to recognize that many long-term successes are built on the foundation of short-term failures.

Perseverance, self-awareness, and momentum can lead slow starters to eventual success, even if they face numerous challenges along the way. As Thomas J. Watson, former CEO of IBM, wisely stated, "If you want to succeed, double your failure rate."

MIT neuroscience professor Earl K. Miller has discovered that our brains learn from experiences primarily when we succeed, which explains why we tend to repeat mistakes. In a similar vein, Wired magazine editor Kevin Kelly highlights that unexpected failures can offer valuable lessons, particularly in fields like engineering, where pushing boundaries often leads to breakthroughs.

It's essential to embrace failure as a vital component of the Long Game Strategy. The goal should be to keep failures small, manageable, and trackable.

Section 1.1 Embracing Failure in the Long Game

In the context of a long-term strategy, short-term failures are typically not a primary concern. The definition of failure can vary significantly depending on the observer's perspective. A situation perceived as a failure by one individual might be seen as a success by another, especially in competitive environments.

The criteria for success or failure can also be ambiguous, complicating the evaluation process. It is important to establish effective heuristics to assess outcomes, as this can be a challenging task.

Types of Failures: A Closer Look

Failures can be categorized based on the perspectives of those assessing them. An outcome failure occurs when the final result does not meet a core need, while a process failure happens when the underlying process does not meet expected standards, even if the task is completed.

Often, we label ourselves as failures due to unrealistic expectations. These expectations might stem from significant investments—whether financial, personal, or professional—that do not yield the anticipated success. The subjective nature of success means that opinions on what constitutes a "major failure" can vary widely.

Abraham Lincoln's Journey: A Case Study

One of the most cited examples of short-term failure leading to long-term success is Abraham Lincoln's political career. Here is a summary of Lincoln's struggles leading up to his presidency:

• 1816: Forced out of his home; took on work to support his family.
• 1818: Experienced the loss of his mother.
• 1831: Failed in business endeavors.
• 1832: Lost a bid for the state legislature.
• 1832: Lost a job he sought in law school.
• 1833: Went bankrupt after starting a business.
• 1834: Won a seat in the state legislature.
• 1835: Endured heartbreak from a failed engagement.
• 1836: Suffered a nervous breakdown.
• 1838: Defeated in a bid for speaker of the state legislature.
• 1840: Lost an electoral position.
• 1843: Lost a congressional election.
• 1846: Won a congressional seat and performed well.
• 1848: Lost re-election to Congress.
• 1849: Rejected for a land officer position.
• 1854: Lost a Senate election.
• 1856: Received minimal support for the vice-presidential nomination.
• 1858: Again lost a Senate bid.
• 1860: Elected as President of the United States.

Embracing Game-Based Thinking

Unlock your potential and adopt game-based thinking to navigate life’s challenges effectively. For more insights, check out my book, "How to Hack Your Life through Game Thinking."

For those seeking an introduction to Applied Game Theory, I invite you to watch my interview with James Selman, a leader in the field of leadership research.

Here’s a link to my Medium story on this subject:

@ksdowney

And here’s an archived Medium story:

@LewisCoaches

This content is part of my online course, "The Self Improvement Lifestyle," which explores effective decision-making and personal growth strategies.

Author: Lewis Harrison is a Manifestation Coach, futurist, and business consultant. He leads the International Association of Healing Professionals and is dedicated to knowledge, creativity, and self-improvement.

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