Understanding Failure as the Norm
“95% of human activity results in failure.” This might seem like a pessimistic view, but if you look closely, you’ll see that failure is the usual outcome in most aspects of life. We often overlook this reality, defining ourselves by the rare 5% of successes. These successes are frequently due to chance or errors that played out in our favor.
Philosophers, dating back to the Stoics over 2000 years ago, have emphasized an important lesson: enjoy the means, not the ends.
Check out my CV of failures and how I think about failure.
Redefining Success
It’s easy to fall into the trap of measuring our worth by our achievements. Yet, the majority of our efforts end in failure. This is a common experience, though it often feels like a solitary struggle. I frequently feel alone in my failures, even though I know logically that this is a shared human experience.
Finding Solace in Distractions
Despite having a supportive wife and family, I often feel isolated in my professional and personal failures. There’s always chaos to distract me, but not everyone is as fortunate. If you find yourself feeling alone, find a passion or hobby to engage with. My mother knits, and my late father was always building things around the house.
For me, it’s the R3ciprocity Project.
The Reality of Failure in Academia
In academia, I’ve faced numerous failures. Despite my dedication and hard work, I am not a “star” professor, and my publication record isn’t impressive. The R3ciprocity platform, which I have poured $100,000 of my own money and countless hours into, is largely ignored by the academic community. This has been a significant source of frustration and disappointment.
My dream was to change the world through the concept of generalized reciprocity. I envisioned a platform that would foster mutual support and collaboration, revolutionizing the way we approach academic work and beyond. However, despite the positive feedback I receive online, my efforts have not been recognized as legitimate within academic circles.
This lack of acknowledgment has been a tough pill to swallow.
The reality is that innovative ideas often face resistance and skepticism, especially in traditional fields like academia. While my vision for R3ciprocity remains strong, the journey has underscored the difficulties of gaining acceptance for new concepts. Yet, despite these challenges, I remain committed to my mission, believing that true change often starts on the fringes before it is embraced by the mainstream.
Embracing the Failure Label
Despite the online recognition and thank-yous I receive, my ideas and efforts often go unacknowledged in academic circles. It can be disheartening to see hard work and innovative ideas overlooked, but it’s a common experience in many fields. This lack of acknowledgment is a reminder that the path to success is fraught with obstacles, and recognition is not always guaranteed.
It’s crucial to remember that new ideas and projects are likely to fail. Success is not the norm; failure is. Accepting this reality can help us manage our expectations and remain resilient in the face of setbacks. By understanding that failure is an integral part of the innovation process, we can stay motivated and continue pursuing our passions, even when success seems elusive.
Sustaining Through Failure
Instead of focusing on success, approach new projects with the mindset that you’re mitigating the likelihood of failure. Accepting “you are a failure” requires a different logic. It means figuring out how to sustain yourself and remain content even when things don’t go as planned.
Being OK with Failure
Your goal shouldn’t be to always get things right but to be okay with who you are when things go wrong. Accepting failure as a natural part of life allows you to take risks, explore new ideas, and grow without the paralyzing fear of making mistakes. This mindset shift can lead to more authentic and fulfilling experiences, as you learn to value the journey over the destination.
Embracing failure means understanding that it does not define your worth. Instead of viewing setbacks as personal shortcomings, see them as opportunities for learning and improvement. When you detach your self-worth from your achievements, you become more resilient and open to new possibilities. This resilience is essential for innovation and personal growth, as it empowers you to keep moving forward despite the inevitable obstacles.
I’m honored to be a failure because it means I’ve dared to try, to innovate, and to challenge the status quo. By embracing failure, you too can break free from the constraints of perfectionism and discover the true potential within yourself. Remember, the most significant advancements often come from those who weren’t afraid to fail.
So, go ahead—be a failure, and wear it as a badge of honor.