“Hi, my name is Eric, and I love to FAIL!” 

Sounds like a weird way to introduce myself at a meeting or intervention but Failure has recently been a topic in our house. Why? Because, when chasing the many items on our Bucket List, sadly we have had some failures. But that is okay…REALLY! However, failure often comes with negative connotations like you aren’t good enough. Therefore, I believe that this sort of outlook desperately needs to be changed! So, is failure good when chasing your bucket list? The short answer is yes!

Why Failure is Good

They say that failure is a part of life. I can sense the eye rolls reading that first sentence. I mean doesn’t failure equate to a lack of effort, not giving it your all, or worse yet, weakness? Maybe. But in reality, if you are failing at something it truly means you were at least trying, right? Now, don’t get me wrong, failing at something, especially an item on your bucket list doesn’t lessen the pain or embarrassment. But, if you change your perspective, you will see that failure is good. 

So, how do you change your perspective? Well, we did a little research into the benefits of failure and found 8 advantages to failing that will hopefully motivate us all. That way, you can tackle those hard tasks on your Adventure & Experiences Bucket List.

1) Failure is a great lesson in Humility

In this day and age, we all want results and we want them now. However, when we fail at a task and delay success, it can often feel horrible. In many situations it can even convince you to quit on your dream. But one of the biggest benefits of failure is that it teaches you humility. When we fail, it allows us to recognize that we are human like everyone else. It also helps us self evaluate so we can try again later. Even Ghandi, in his autobiography, The Story of My Experiments With Truth, admitted, “I have humility enough to confess my errors and to retrace my steps.” 

2) Failing clarifies your Commitment to the Goal

Have you ever been 100% committed to a goal but then you quit after you failed the first time? Don’t worry, we aren’t judging you. In fact after attempting and failing a few of our Bucket List items like reading certain books on our Personal Growth Bucket List, we quit too. I mean have you ever tried to read Grimms’ Fairy Tales? It is freakin hard and really dark! But when you fail at a certain task, it is then that you can clarify your commitment to the goal at hand. Don’t get us wrong, this isn’t a pass to quit. But often we add items to our various bucket lists that seem like a good idea but aren’t as great in real life. So, when you fail, step back, envision the reward, and if it is still what you want, re-commit yourself to the goal!

3) Failure helps you solve the problem safely

Now in no way is failure good if you hurt yourself or put yourself into a dangerous situation! We don’t want a sudden influx of emails with photos of broken bones, arrest photos, or videos of bad situations. But one of the best benefits of failure is the way it teaches you to fail better and more importantly in a safer manner. When learning how to do something, aspects of it may be inherently dangerous. But because of the failures of those who tried before you, you learn how to attempt it in a safer way. It is because of these types of failures that humans have created safety gear, protocols, and rules to protect us. So if you fail the first time, ask for help from those who have gone before you. 

4) Failure reveals your true support system

I am sure we sound like a broken record but we will say it again, failure is a part of life. But we reiterate it again because failure isn’t just a part of YOUR life but everyone’s. So when determining if failure is good you need to remember that you are not alone! When you fail, it is a perfect time to reach out to your support system. Whether it is friends, family, or close work colleagues, asking for help is key to turning your failure into success. Don’t get us wrong, your support system may not be able to directly help you. In fact, sometimes you still have to accomplish your goals on your own. But, there is something truly magical when others simply root for you. This was always the case for us with my mother, Lilian Madan Gamble. She often wasn’t physically able to help, but no one ever cheered louder and reveled in our success more than my mom.

5) Being a Failure turns you into a resource

In this day an age, most of us have been to a conference or watched a motivational speaker online who shares their story of how their failures led to success. It is always amazing how they overcame the odds and rose above to their challenges to win. But that kind of ability isn’t reserved for the few. You too can help and inspire others with your story no matter how big or small it is. See when you learn from your failure and overcome challenges it allows you to empathize with others who face similar situations. Thus, the lessons you learn allow you help others win as well. 

6) Failure can help you get physically stronger

It is hard to argue that Michael Jordan may be one of the greatest basketball players of all time. But did you know that Jordan was considered a physical failure in high school? In the story, Michael Jordan: A Profile in Failure, author Jeff Stibel reveals that at Laney High School back in 1978, Michael wasn’t really an outstanding basketball player. Couple that with the fact that he was physically smaller than other players, the coaches decided he wasn’t good enough to play varsity. But Jordan didn’t let that stop him. Instead, he accepted his role on the junior varsity team and put in the work both on the court and in the gym. In accepting that failure is good but doesn’t have to be final, he became stronger and more confident which led him to one of the most remarkable careers in all sports. 

7) Failure makes you mentally stronger

Another benefit of failure is how it makes us mentally stronger. Often failing can feed our fears and even lead to depression. This of course is natural. But if you stop, reflect, and decide to confront those fears it can possibly lead to great success. Don’t get us wrong, it won’t be suddenly easier because your initial fears may be rooted in real concerns. But by confronting them, it can help you really find ways or inspire you to research better ways to overcome your previous failures. Besides, one of the biggest mental pains most people feel is regret. So by facing your fears head on, you are more willing to take the risks that could lead to your success.

8) Failing makes you appreciate your success

We all see those stories of people who never gave up and ultimately found success. But did you know that the founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), Colonel Harland David Sanders, was a big failure when he started? He had many jobs while trying to sell his famous secret chicken recipe but he couldn’t find anyone to work with him. In fact, 1,009 folks told him he was crazy. But even at the ripe age of 62 he refused to give up and finally in Salt Lake City, Utah the first KFC opened. Then some 12 years later, Sanders sold the company for $2 million dollars! How sweet is that? We share that story because imagine his feeling of joy when that first KFC opened in Salt Lake City and the start of his dream finally came to fruition. I am sure in the previous years if felt impossible to make happen but when it finally did, the sense of accomplishment was likely unmatched!

So do you love to fail too?

How about you? Do you love to fail? Have you had any positive experiences from previous failures that lead to you ticking off an amazing bucket list item? Let us know in the comments below. You never know, your experiences may help someone who is struggling right now finally find a way to find success!

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