Failure is a necessary element of success. In any walk of life, it's the uncomfortable cost of doing business.
You’ve probably heard the question “what would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail?” which is intended to help people identify their calling in life.
But it’s not a helpful question.
Now when failure (large or small) is inevitable.
Seth Godin puts a great twist on it, asking instead:
“What would you do, if you could only fail?,”
This version refuses to ignore the reality of failure.
The truth is, our reluctance to face discomfort is the hidden shape of our lives.
Mark Manson asks: “What are you willing to suffer for?”
Tim Ferriss echoing Tara Brach, asks “What are you unwilling to feel?”
David Bowie made 26 studio albums.
He’s remembered for the good ones.
Pieter Levels has launched 70+ projects.
Only 1% have ever made money.
But that's all you need.
That’s what working despite failure looks like.
And if you resist it, you’re resisting what success there might be too.
