One Hundred Fails

This has unwittingly been a goal of mine.

To fail 100 times.

I know, I know. It sounds crazy.

This concept of purposely trying to fail seems odd and counterintuitive.

But listen, knowing or even expecting that you’ll fail takes the pressure off. It stops you from deciding ahead of time that it won’t work. No more self-editing.

Even I’m smart enough to realize that what we’re talking about here is a form of reverse psychology.

But if I can convince my brain to think differently. Well, game on.

I heard this idea discussed on a podcast last summer and it resonated with me deeply. (side note: I have searched high and low to find the podcast but with no luck. I believe it was discussed on the Creative Peptalk).

I guess it’s because the idea of failure looms large, shadowing our intentions whether we realize it or not. It can be a real downer.

By flipping our goal upside down there is actually no reason to take failure personally. It should be expected. The sting has no poison.

Time to start failing.

For me, this might look like submitting paintings to 100 art exhibits. For someone else, it might look like submitting 100 resumes, 100 book proposals, or 100 app ideas (you know who you are).

Maybe that number is too high. Maybe that number is overwhelming. Maybe, just maybe it’s not about the number at all. Maybe it is about perseverance. Effort. Commitment. First steps.

My recent conversations have led me to believe that I’m not alone in this.

When we dismantle our concept of failure it becomes less powerful. Failure and success now intersect. And not in a bad way.

In the process of failing 100 times, we are bound to get better. To refine our skills. To find our confidence. To even change our direction.

The best part is that it gives us permission.

Permission to fail.

Permission to reach.

Permission to be uncertain.

The goal is one hundred.

What have you been waiting for?

Go fail 100 times.