Failure

Failure is when we fall short of our goals or are not successful in achieving what we set out to do. But even though failure is an inevitable and necessary part of growth and understanding, we learn very early to attach a heavy sense of self-judgment to it, leading to intense feelings of shame, rejection, and self-criticism. Fear of encountering these feelings drives us to avoid failure—or even the appearance of it—by any means necessary, taking actions that don’t align with our values or preventing ourselves from attempting what we feel our hearts are calling us to do. Examining and adjusting how we use the lens of failure to describe ourselves and others is a key step in living boldly as our whole selves.