Much of the things I researched discussed how the fear of failing can strangle you from achieving success, but I didn't see a lot about lessons in how to fail or what do when you actually fail. Do you stop and don't keep trying? Do you acknowledge that this is just something you won't be seen as an expert in? 

 

Some people can wear their failure as a badge of honor while others revert to licking their wounds never to return. Failure does test your resolve and the ability to overcome difficult situations as they arrive. So much of failure is the willingness to take a risk. Taking risks can net rewards but it can also expose your flaws. For those that are risk averse this can seem a bit insane but knowing about your flaws is actually a good thing.

 

For myself, I've learned that there is nothing I can't achieve if I stay determined but I've also learned that if I am the only one determined to achieve a goal with a team of 20 who isn't, I will have to find another team. Other wise you find yourself spending time jumping over hurdles to prove a task can be done instead of actually doing the work to get it completed. A difficult lesson to learn. 

 

However, in my social media consultanting experience many of my clients have learned about the nature of authenticity and two-way communications (that is social media) by simply failing at using the tools as an one-way dialogue. Although, my inital recommendations weren't always followed the failure to get the responses or access to the communities they were trying to reach was the catalyst to change directions and learn how to engage in the social media sphere.

 

In essence, the failure helped to change the direction. Now this doesn't always happen. Some times this type of failure can lead to giving up. It's easier to chuck using social networks all together, but some of the wiser ones learn from those lessons and adjust. Some individuals are even willing to say to me:

which ultimately leads to a healthy relationship.

 

Neither of these paths are easy to achieve and for some just dusting yourself off and getting back to work won't be easy. However, if I never got back in a car to drive after a really big accident that occurred because I was "determined" to drive although it was icy, I wouldn't be driving today. With my heart pounding through my chest the entire time, I convinced myself I could drive. If I hadn't I would have found myself stranded quite often and unable to seal contract deals that were only accessible to me if I drove.  

 

 

(Image credit: death by failing by AlmaUK flickr.com)