Aiming to Fail

There is a body of literature on the concept of “failing forward” or “aiming to fail” as a way to succeed. The idea behind this is that, budding taekwondo experts, is that failure is not a negative outcome but rather an opportunity for growth and learning.

One of the most well-known proponents of this concept is psychologist and author Carol Dweck, who argues that people who embrace a “growth mindset” and see failure as an opportunity for growth are more likely to succeed in the long term. In her book “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success,” she argues that people who view failure as a temporary setback and use it as an opportunity to learn and grow are more likely to achieve their goals than those who view failure as a personal flaw.

Other researchers have also explored the concept of “failing forward” and the benefits of learning from failure. In a study published in the Harvard Business Review, researchers found that entrepreneurs who experienced early failure were more likely to succeed in the long term, as failure helped them learn valuable lessons and refine their approach.

While aiming to fail may sound counterintuitive, the idea is not to actively seek failure but rather to view it as a natural and necessary part of the learning process. By embracing failure as an opportunity for growth and learning, individuals may be able to develop the resilience and adaptability needed to succeed in the long term.

References:

• How aiming to fail can lead to Success
• Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The new psychology of success. Random House.
• Groysberg, B., & Abrahams, R. (2014). Manage your human Sigma. Harvard Business Review, 92(7/8), 112-120.
• Why success always starts with failure (Behance Blog)