Embracing Failing Forward: A Path to Success

“Failing forward” is a key to transforming setbacks into success.

-- Dr. Dawn Reid, PCC

As your Personal & Professional Growth Architect, I want to have a heart-to-heart conversation about something we often shy away from – failure. But not just any failure; we're talking about failing forward. This powerful concept, coined by John C. Maxwell, has transformed countless lives. Since incorporating it into my coaching practice, I have noticed a significant difference in how my clients process failure and use it to build success.

Feeling distressed from failure?

What is Failing Forward?

Failing forward isn't just about making mistakes; it's about strategically using those mistakes as steppingstones toward success. As Maxwell beautifully puts it, "Fail early, fail often, but always fail forward." This approach transforms failure from a roadblock into a bridge leading to your next breakthrough.

The Coaching Perspective on Strategic Failing Forward

Through my signature PARA™ framework, I partner with clients to plan for failing forward. This plan typically integrates with our action and accountability planning. Here’s how it works:

• Pause

Center yourself and create space to process the experience.

• Assess

Reality check the situation, your feelings, and presence.

• Reflect

Identify key change points and learning opportunities.

• Act

Make conscious choices within your locus of control.

Real-Life Examples of Failing Forward

Let's look at three powerful examples of failing forward in action, using the PARA™ framework:

Personal Example

Imagine a mindfulness practitioner who consistently struggles to maintain a daily meditation practice. Instead of giving up, they can:

• Pause to acknowledge their challenge.

• Assess their current routine and barriers.

• Reflect on what’s working and what isn’t.

• Act by adjusting their practice time, environment, and approach.

  
  

Each "failed" session becomes valuable data for improvement.

Professional Example

A leader giving their first major presentation stumbles through it, receiving lukewarm feedback. Rather than avoiding future speaking opportunities, this leader:

• Pause to process the experience without judgment.

• Assess specific areas of improvement.

• Reflect on feedback and growth opportunities.

• Act by working with a coach (hey, that’s where I come in! 😊) and practicing deliberately.

  
  

Each "failure" becomes a building block for future success.

Conceptual Example

Think about learning to ride a bike. Nobody starts as an expert. The PARA™ process happens naturally:

• Pause after each fall.

• Assess what caused the imbalance.

• Reflect on what needs adjusting.

• Act by trying again with new awareness.

  
  

Each attempt builds confidence and competence.

What does success look like to you?

The Alternative: When We Don't Fail Forward

Here's what typically happens when people avoid embracing strategic failing forward:

1. They fall into analysis paralysis, afraid to make any move.

2. Perfectionism becomes a shield against taking action.

3. Fear of failure leads to playing it safe and staying small.

4. Innovation and creativity get stifled.

5. Personal and professional growth stagnates.

   
   

The Fear Factor

Let's be real – fear of failure is natural. However, when we understand that failure isn't final but rather feedback, everything changes. Through my experience coaching leaders and professionals, I’ve seen how reframing failure as a teacher rather than a terminator can create significant breakthrough moments.

Your Invitation to Growth

As your coach, I invite you to embrace failing forward as a strategic tool on your journey to success. Remember, it’s not about how many times you fall; it’s about how you use each fall to rise higher. By utilizing the PARA™ framework, we can transform your relationship with failure into a powerful catalyst for growth.

Coaching Challenge

Reflect on the questions below. You can journal your responses or record them. Use the prompts during your Community Group meeting or Mastermind Session, and feel free to discuss them with your coach.

• What's your relationship with failure?

• What would failing forward look like for you?

• How can you reframe a recent or past failure as a strategic failing forward?

  
  

I invite you to share in the comments how this view on failing forward resonates with you. I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences!

ANNOUCEMENT: The innovative PARA™ Model Toolkit will be out in August! Make sure your subscribe to the newsletter or follow Dr. Dawn Reid, PCC on LinkedIn, Facebook and TikTok!

Visit her website: www.drdawnreid.com