As technologists, we often find ourselves navigating a landscape of constant innovation, rapid changes, and complex problem-solving. In this dynamic environment, failure is not only inevitable but also an essential part of our journey.

Rather than fearing failure, we can learn to embrace it as a catalyst for personal growth and professional development.

”Failure is another stepping stone to greatness” – Oprah Winfrey

What Is Failing Forward?

“Failing forward” is a mindset that encourages us to view failures as steps toward success. Instead of seeing failure as a problem and something that causes issues and pain with no way forward, look at it as a valuable learning experience that strengthens you going forward. Embrace the failure, learn from it and move onwards.

Learning Opportunities

Every failure provides an opportunity to learn. Whether this is a missed deadline, code bug, or something else, there is always a learning and something for you to gain from the experience.

Reflecting on what you did and what happened can help inform you and allow you to make decisions based on experience gained. Extract the lessons that can help shape your future and if needed write them down so you can refer to them at a later date.

“Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” – Thomas A. Edison

Iterative Improvements

Learning from failures allows you to try again and approaching things in iterative improvements and steps brings you closer to success. Even the most successful products and technologies available today went through multiple iterations before reaching their current state.

Resilience

Resilience is build through failing forward and is a crucial skill for technologists, especially in a field where challenges are constant. Developing ability to bounce back, adapt, and keep moving forward helps to build this resilience.

Normalize Failure

Normalizing failure is the hardest step as not everyone wants to see or hear of failure, but most will experience it within their lives. Sharing failure with others and celebrating the learning from it helps to bring a change in talking positively about failure.

It’s okay to stumble; it’s part of the journey, learn from it.