You are never too old to fail.
A career or life makeover after fifty can be a time of excitement and exhilaration and it can also be a time of doubt and trepidation. I know this because I am in the middle of one myself. What holds me strong as I forge my new career path are the core beliefs that everything will be ok and that stumbles along the way are an opportunity for learning. This is where the notion of failing forward comes into things.
Failing forward is the idea that we can learn from our mistakes and be strengthened by the experience. It fits with Carol Dweck's notion of a growth mindset. She takes it one step further and suggests that those with a growth mindset experience setbacks as motivating, informative or a wakeup call.
In a fixed mindset, failure can define you: I am a failure. I can't do this thing. But Jack Cornfield suggests the opposite is true: failure is what makes us successful:
Failure is not a dead end. It’s merely a detour that may take a bit longer to get you where you want to go but will equip you with the tools and resources you need to reach your destination.
Here are five strategies that can help you fail forward successfully as you navigate life after fifty:
Embrace failure as part of the learning process: Accept that failure is a necessary step on the path to success. View it as a learning opportunity rather than a setback.
Analyse the failure: Take the time to reflect on what went wrong, why it went wrong, and what can be done differently in the future. This analysis can help identify areas of improvement and inform future decision-making.
Take responsibility: Own up to your mistakes and take responsibility for the outcome. This can help you avoid repeating the same mistakes in the future and earn the trust and respect of others.
Take action: Use the lessons learned from the failure to take constructive action towards future success. Apply the insights gained to improve processes, make better decisions, or develop new skills.
Persist: Maintain a positive attitude, and don't give up in the face of failure. Keep pushing forward, and use the lessons learned to fuel your growth and development. Remember that failure is not permanent, and success is always within reach.
Next time you experience a setback, notice your response and adjust your lens. Know that failure is part of the journey and an ideal opportunity to learn.
Sue West