Have you ever heard the famous NASA quote, “Failure is not an option”? While it sounds inspiring, it’s actually one of the biggest myths in business and leadership today.
Reframing Our View of Failure
Contrary to popular belief, failure isn’t just an option—it’s often the best option we have. The real problem isn’t failure itself but repetitive failure where we don’t learn or grow. When we embrace failure as part of our journey, we open ourselves to its transformative power.
The Mentor’s Role in Navigating Failure
A good mentor doesn’t minimize your struggles with empty reassurances. Instead, they create space for honest conversations about your challenges. I remember when I had to close my business during the 2008-09 credit crunch, facing substantial financial loss. My mentor cut through my superficial “I’m okay” response with a blunt question about how I was really doing, allowing me to speak truthfully about my situation.
Rebuilding Inch by Inch
Recovery from failure doesn’t happen overnight. It’s an incremental process that often begins with reconnecting to your core purpose and values. For me, this meant prioritizing my marriage and young children while slowly rebuilding my professional life.
Finding Purpose in Helping Others
Ironically, part of my own recovery came through helping 10-15 other business owners facing similar struggles. By leveraging my networks and experiences, I helped them navigate their own failures—writing off debt and rebuilding their businesses step by step.
Fifteen years later, I can honestly say that business failure taught me one of life’s most valuable lessons. The scars of failure have become badges of wisdom, shaping me into who I am today.
Take Action: Join The Forged Mentor Community
Did you know that most leaders feel like they have to figure their journey out alone?
Having a mentor and coach in your corner who understands your journey aspirations and challenges are invaluable for your personal and professional growth.
You can continue this conversation inside The Forged Mentor, our monthly mentoring program for business owners and leaders.
It’s free to connect with more interactive programs starting from $199 per month – you will join a community of like minded leaders and receive great content, advice and community, so you don’t have to do this journey alone.
