I realised that people who are extraordinary in their field 1) fail a lot more than others and 2) fail on a more intense and massive scale. Each failure pushes them up the learning curve much faster since failure teaches a lot more than success does.

But because the majority of us are brought up in an environment where we are chided for mistakes and shamed for our failures, we choose to simply lead “safer” lives. We are so fixated on not making a misstep that we rob ourselves of something far greater- reaching our fullest potential.

It’s hard to change culture but it’s not impossible. I, for one, am going to encourage myself to fail forward more and not beat myself up each time I do. I hope more will join me to create a culture where failure is no longer a stigma but a sign of progress.