Why Failures So Important - The Muse

Why Failures So Important - The MuseWhy Failures So Important Have you ever done something new and exciting, looked at it later, and thought to yourself Oh my word. This is terrible.You feel a prickling of shame, a sigh of What was I thinking? and then a shrug of Oh well, never again.As a part of my business, I periodically have to shoot professional video. I used to think it was all glamorous makeup and fun times, but Ive since realized that its a lot of sweating under bright lights and wondering why my hair looks so flat all the time.In short, its stressful.When I first started doing this, I didnt use a professional. Nope Instead I used my iPhone and terrible overhead lighting. Suffice it to say, it did not look awesome. This photo is real, as is my decision to wear sunglasses. (Guys, I dont know why that seemed like a good idea.)After witnessing this mess I made, I graduated to a professional videographer- but I leise hadnt mastered my hair. It was questionable at best.Now, many videos later, I film in a studio and hire professional hair and makeup help. (Plus, I pay for animation) It was a long road to get here. And when I look back at my old videos, I sort of cant believe I let other people see them. (No, seriously, I was shooting one of them in a closet. Why?)With that said, I never wouldve gotten here without starting there first. And that brings me to one of the hardest lessons Ive ever had to learn You are not perfect. (I can say this, because I also am not perfect) You are rarely born with the ability to immediately master something, with no practice or learning.And thats OK. I get emails all the time from folks who are terrified of making a change in their jobs or careers, because they are terrified of messing up. I understand, but I also have good news Failing is human.But, instead of naming it failure, lets call it what it really is An epic lesson on the road to success.To get anywhere, to become masterful at anything, youve got to start from som ewhere. And for many of us, somewhere often ranges from terrible to OK. And this fear of being terrible at something, wellit keeps you stuck. Often completely paralyzed from doing anything.So, what if we made a pact This week, well all try something that is scary in our work. Something that potentially might not turn out okay. Something that weve been thinking about, but putting off.Maybe its signing up for a new course, or a new online program to get certified in something.Maybe its volunteering for something new at work, a project or position that seems challenging.Maybe its just trying out a side gig, practicing a little bit, so that you can improve your skills before you put them out in the world.Maybe its sending that first application out, or asking for that first informational interview, or asking for that first new client to work with you.But Heres the critical part Once you do it, if it doesnt go quite as planned, dont think Oh no, I failed.Instead think Well that was an in teresting lesson. What do I want to do differently next time to improve?So, ask yourself right now what youre going to learn this week- and tell me on Twitter. (Oh, and if what you want to learn is how to find your passion, heres a fancy-pants free workbook to help you do just that.)