The 4-Ingredient Recipe for Failure (and How to Avoid it)

You’ve probably heard it said before that failure is inevitable, and of course that is true. No one of us is immune to failure. But, as much as failure is a normal part of everyday life, it’s important to know that you don’t have to stay there. Failure is normal, but being stuck in failure shouldn’t be. The following are culprits I’ve found to be shared among people or institutions who feel stuck in a pattern of failure.

Excuses - I was always told as a kid that excuses are like armpits … we all have them and they all stink. An organization or person who makes excuses will never be able to accept that their failure could be a result of something they personally did or didn’t do. And this ignorance then sets them up to simply repeat the same mistakes next time.

Blame - When you fail what is the first thing you do? For each of us the first thing we should do is take a look in the mirror! Unfortunately though, Many people immediately start looking for someone to put the blame on. This creates animosity and burnout and can ruin relationships as well as businesses. Instead, when you succeed in something, credit that to others’ contributions. When you fail, start with the only person you can change.

Fear - We are physiologically wired to respond in one of two ways when we are afraid: fight or flight. This response is a function of the sympathetic nervous system, and when activated with dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine, we are mobilized to either confront the stressor or run from it. Often in our lives when we’re afraid of something, we avoid it for as long as possible, or “flee” from that thing or scenario. And while this response is probably a good one in a bear encounter, for most of the fears we face daily, the more productive approach is often to “fight” or face the fear head on.

Fear is as normal as breathing, but with some savvy introspection you can make it work for you instead of against. When I sense that fear is driving my decision making, I start by admitting that I’m afraid. Then I ask myself, “is it true?” Most of the time I’m afraid of something that doesn’t even exist or hasn’t actually happened. If there’s a chance that whatever it is that you’re afraid of isn’t true, then simply tell yourself a different story. Yes it is that easy. If it is true then it may be a good time to seek council.   

Doubt - There is a lot to be said for confidence. Mark Twain said it best: “All you need in this life is ignorance and confidence, and then success is sure.” But sometimes, it doesn’t always come easily. If you find yourself in doubt, just know that you are capable of faith. In a way, doubt and faith flex the same mental/emotional muscles. Doubt is negative with an expectation of the worst. Faith is hopeful with a focus on possibility. No matter how you look at it both doubt and faith are your response to something that hasn’t happened yet. More importantly, they will also determine how you see the results.

It doesn't matter what your role is. STEMI or Stroke Coordinator, Cardiologist, Neurologist, Administrator, or Business Owner. If you want to build something or do something new, it’s going to involve some element of risk. Today a popular saying is “fail and fail fast.” Take that advice, but don’t stay there. If you find yourself feeling like you are stuck and you can’t get out, check to see if one of these 4 things are keeping you there.