FAILING FORWARD

What an absurd statement! Absurd or not, progress is not possible without failure. It
is part of being an evolving and growing human being.
Failing forward is about leveraging mistakes; making a realistic assessment of risks
and the ability to live with the downside and experiment with new approaches.
FAILING FORWARD is an investment in human success.
Look at it this way:
1. Failing forward is really about achievement as a series of trial and error
opportunities.

Galatians 6:10

So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to
those who are of the household of the faith.
2. You, as a person, are not a failure. Failure is a state of mind.

Genesis 1:27
So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them;
male and female he created them.

Psalm 139:14New International Version (NIV)

14

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
3. You are not a victim. Take responsibility for what you can control and into a
position of power.

Galatian 6:5
For we are each responsible for our own conduct.
4. You can control how you let a trauma affect you.
It is our choice if we will be traumatize in experiencing failure
5. The present is the only place real opportunity exists and where you can take
action.

"Yesterday is History, Tomorrow a Mystery, Today is a

Gift, Thats why it's called the Present" Bil Keane

6. Letting go of limiting beliefs may be hard on the ego, but your ability to move
forward will increase dramatically.

7. When you have a vision, you have a view that puts failure in its proper
perspective.

Proverbs 26:11 like a dog that returns to its

vomit, a fool does the same foolish things
again and again.
8. There is always uncertainty when you try something new.

Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my

feet, and a light for my path
9. You can't make significant progress by doing it all yourself. Let your
environment and network do some of the work.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust the Lord with all your

heart, and dont depend on your own
understanding. Remember the Lord in all
you do, and he will give you success.
10. Often, the only difference between success and failure is simple persistence.

Jeremiah 29:11
11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD,
"plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you
hope and a future.
11. Knowing when to let go and try something else is important. Failing forward is
about getting up and moving on.

Let go of your concerns! Then you will know that I am God. I rule
the nations. I rule the earth. (Psalm 46:10 GW)

Psalm 46:10New International Version (NIV)

10

He says, Be still, and know that I am God;

I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.

Conclusion:
Move Forward and let others do the same. Simple. This is a guiding
principle everyone should have Pope Francis
Guide questions:
1) Have I experience failure in my life? Share an Experience.
2) From that failure, how can you get up and move on?
(My notes from a recent study group called: Failing Forward
www.failingforwardtosuccess.com)
About The Author

Marilyn J. Tellez, M.A. Certified Job and Career Transition Coach (509) 469-3514
Email: doitnow@nwinfo.net
The major difference between achieving people and average people is their perception of and
response to failure. John C. Maxwell takes a closer look at failure-and reveals that the secret of
moving beyond failure is to use it as a lesson and a stepping-stone. He covers the top reasons
people fail and shows how to master fear instead of being mastered by it. Readers will discover that
positive benefits can accompany negative experiences-if you have the right attitude. Chock full of
action suggestions and real-life stores, Failing Forward is a strategic guide that will help men and
women move beyond mistakes to fulfill their potential and achieve success.