Are failure and success opposites?

Or is “failure” a part of success?

I place quotes around the word “failure” because I think this question can’t be answered unless we define what we mean by the word.

Personally, I do not believe that failure is possible–unless we choose not to learn from a given situation. I believe it was Thomas Edison who said that he had not failed but simply now knew the many ways that a lightbulb would not work. If we are learning from an experience, I do not believe that there is even such a thing a failure.

In science, the tested hypothesis that is shown to be ineffective is not a failure. The test is a success. It provided a result. Now more is known than before and more research can commence.
The same is true in our own lives. When something does not go as planned, it is not a failure; it is a growth moment.

Now, if we define “failure” as the experience of things not going as planned or even the phenomenon of an attempt not working, then sure failure is a part of success, because we are just using a different word for growth.

However, here is the real rub. True failure (in my opinion) is when there is no redemption. Nothing is learned. Nothing is gained. Nothing is better off. This is failure. And if we define failure as the scenario of no value, then I contend that failure does not have anything to do with success, but rather is the single factor that prevents success.

The real idea here is not to be nit-picky about the definition of a word but to ask a very real question. Instead of trying to redefine what failure is, why not stop using a word that is not applicable? The only time we fail is when we do not gain anything from the experience. In those scenarios, the failure is the opposite of success.

The rest of the times, no matter how things work or don’t, as long as we grow and learn, it is not failure, and is truly part of the building blocks of success.

In conclusion, while this is true for everyone, I primarily want to serve leaders. So, how can this post be a building block in our success?

First, don’t look at your misuse of the word fail as a failure! Instead take this as a growth opportunity, and learn that failure is only present when nothing is gained.

Second, change both your mind and your words to reflect these concepts.

Lastly, ensure that your team is aware of your new perspective. When they report a failure, identify what was learned and reclassify the situation accordingly.