The Science of Failure

Welcome aboard if you're new! This is where I share top insights each week to help you grow, think sharper, and improve-one step at a time.

This Week’s Snapshot:

• Insight: Failure is just data, not defeat.

• Resource: A simple mindset shift to reframe setbacks.

• Quote: “Failure is simply a cost you have to pay on the way to being right.” - Seth Godin

• Deep Dive: The real difference between success and stagnation.

• Something to Make You Smile: Failing forward-like a scientist.

Ever felt like failure defines you?

Like it’s proof you’re not good enough? I’ve been there too.

But here’s the truth:

Failure isn’t about being good or bad-it’s about being brave enough to try.

Let me share a secret with you:

Scientists don’t fear failure, they see it as data-valuable information that brings them closer to success. Every result, whether expected or unexpected, is just another step forward.

Treat Failure Like a Scientist

Imagine running an experiment where every outcome is useful, whether it proves your hypothesis or not. That’s how scientists approach failure-as a stepping stone to discovery. Yet, in everyday life, society teaches us to fear failure. We think it means we’re not smart enough, fit enough, or talented enough. But what if we flipped that script?

Failure is Just Data

Your failures aren’t reflections of your worth, they’re lessons learned along the way. As Seth Godin says,“Failure is simply a cost you have to pay on the way to being right.”It's inevitable when growing and pushing boundaries.

The Cost of Growth

Failure stings when something matters deeply. But aiming for perfection will keep you stuck, consistency beats perfection every time.Your first attempt rarely leads straight to success; instead, it sets off improvements over time. So here are some actionable steps for turning setbacks into successes:

1. Plan for Setbacks: Know how you’ll bounce back when things don't go as planned.

2. Rebound Quickly: Individual failures don't define long-term success.

3. Take Action Now: Don't wait for perfection-start now and adjust as needed.

4. Stop Judging Yourself: Failures are just data points guiding your next move.

5. Focus on Progress: Small steps compound over time.
   

   And remember this crucial mindset shift:

Fail fast so you can succeed faster!Hit reply and tell me-what's one failure that led unexpectedly toward growth?

The “Hidden Gift” Nobody Talks About

Failure strips away illusions and forces us into clarity:

• What truly matters?

• What am I pretending not see?

It's like life's reset button-painful yet freeing!

The Failure System: 4 Steps to Fail Forward

Failure is part of the process, but how you handle it makes all the difference. Instead of letting it hold you back, use this four-step system to move forward faster and stronger.

1. Hit Pause, Set a Timer

James Clear once said:

That space is where you take control. Instead of reacting emotionally, step back. Take a walk, breathe, and shift your perspective. Most failures feel bigger than they actually are.

Give yourself a set timeframe-24 hours max-to feel frustrated, disappointed, or even angry. Sit with the emotions. But once the time is up, it’s done. No more dwelling. It’s time to move forward.

2. Shift into Learning Mode

Once you’ve had your moment, it’s time to think like a scientist.

Look at what happened from an objective angle-no emotions, just facts.

• What actually happened? Separate the event from your feelings about it.

• Where did things go differently than expected? Identify the gap between what you planned and what occurred.

• What part of this was in my control? Pinpoint what you can adjust moving forward.
  

  The key here isn’t to blame yourself but to find the lesson that can push you forward.

3. Zoom Out & Look Ahead

Now, fast-forward one year into the future. Imagine you're celebrating a huge win. Looking back, you realize that this failure was the turning point.

What did I change after this setback?
How did my habits or mindset shift?
What did I learn that helped me improve?

Use those answers as a roadmap for what to do next. If your future success depends on you handling this moment wisely, what’s the next best step?

4. Take the Next Step-Now

Thinking about failure won’t move you forward—action will.

Start small.
Send that email.
Adjust your strategy.
Try again.

The hardest part of bouncing back is putting yourself back in the game. But here’s the truth-momentum beats perfection every time.

How To “Fail Forward” (A Tiny Cheat Sheet)

Next time life throws a curveball:

1. Scream into a pillow (seriously – let out those emotions).
2. Ask one raw question: “What’s this trying show me?”
3. Do one small thing differently tomorrow – progress beats perfection always!

 Root Cause Analysis (RCA)

RCA, from maintenance strategies, helps identify underlying causes by asking "why" multiple times until reaching the root issue:

1. Identify what went wrong
2. Gather relevant data
3. Determine possible causes
4. Verify these causes through testing
5. Implement corrective actions.

This systematic approach ensures that failures become valuable learning experiences rather than repeated mistakes.

Edmondson’s Process Knowledge Spectrum

This is just a fancy way of saying that some things are predictable, while others are uncertain and need more trial and error.

Here’s how it works:

• When mistakes can be dangerous, clear rules matter. In things like flying a plane or doing surgery, there’s no room for guessing. Everyone needs to communicate well, follow proven steps, and work as a team to avoid disaster.

  
  Example: Think about crossing a busy street. You don’t “experiment” with when to walk. You look both ways, wait for the signal, and then go.

• When trying something new, learning from failure is key. In areas like science, technology, and business, nobody has all the answers from the start. The best approach is to test, learn, and improve.

  
  Example: Imagine learning how to cook a new recipe. You might burn the first pancake or make it too salty. But after a few tries, you figure out what works and what doesn’t.

The lesson?

Not all failure is the same. 

In some areas, you follow the rules carefully to avoid big risks.

In others, you experiment, fail fast, and adjust to get better. Knowing the difference helps you grow without unnecessary setbacks.

Failure doesn’t have to be a roadblock. It can be a launchpad. The only difference? How you respond.

Your challenge: Think of a failure that still lingers in your mind. What’s one small action you can take today to move past it?

Let me know-I read every message.

Ηave a great week ahead!

Costas

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