Mark here.
We’re all taught to avoid failure at any cost.
But what if failure isn’t the enemy?
What if success actually depends on failing right?
It’s taken years of falling short—on the field, on the mountains, in business—to realize this:
Failure, if you do it right, isn’t a setback.
It’s a strategy.
The kind of failure that teaches, builds resilience and sharpens your approach.
So, here’s a different take.
Let’s talk about the art of failing in a way that moves you closer to success,
rather than further from it.
How This Played Out in My Life
When I think back to my NFL days,
There were moments when I pushed so hard to avoid failing that I actually lost sight of growth.
Failure felt like the worst-case scenario.
But as I transitioned to mountaineering,
I learned that failing was often the most important part of preparing for the climb.
Each stumble taught me something about the journey, about my limits,
and how to move forward.
Failing rightis about knowing that each setback has a purpose if you let it.
It’s what keeps you grounded when the summit feels impossible.
How to Apply This in Your Life
What if every failure could be your next step forward?
Here’s a framework for failing with intention, turning every misstep into a tool for growth:
1. Fail Fast, Fail Small
Instead of avoiding failure, aim to fail early and often—on a smaller scale.
Test ideas before they become big commitments.
Whether it’s a business plan, a new skill, or a personal goal,
the sooner you see what doesn’t work, the more time you have to pivot.
2. Find the Lesson, Not the Blame
The goal isn’t to obsess over what went wrong.
It’s to pull one clear lesson from each failure that you can carry forward.
Failure isn’t about finding fault—it’s about finding information.
3. Measure Your Growth, Not Just Your Wins
Success can be misleading.
Sometimes, a win doesn’t mean you’re on the right path, and a failure doesn’t mean you’re off it.
Track your progress in how you handle setbacks, not just in the victories.
4. Share Your Failures
It sounds counterintuitive, but sharing your failures with others—
whether friends, mentors, or your community—
turns them into something constructive.
The act of sharing can deepen the lesson
and connect you with others on a similar path.
Why It Works
When you fail right, you create a foundation that’s stronger than any single win.
Each failure adds a layer of resilience, perspective, and strength.
It’s like building a toolkit for future challenges.
I’ll be honest—failing will never feel great.
It’s frustrating, humbling, and often uncomfortable.
But it’s also the hidden driver that pushes you forward when success alone can’t.
The trick isn’t to avoid failure.
It’s to lean into it, learn from it, and let it shape you into someone
who’s ready for the bigger wins ahead.
Now, let’s put this into practice.
Take a moment to think of one recent failure—big or small—that truly challenged you.
What did it teach you, and how did it shape your path forward?
Share this insight with someone—a friend, a mentor, or anyone who’s been on a similar journey.
Talking about these experiences often brings clarity
and creates connections through shared growth.
So, next time things don’t go as planned, ask yourself:
How can I fail right?
Best,
Mark
What’s one way you’re “failing forward”?
Comment and share how you’re turning setbacks into stepping stones.
