Guide to Successful Failures
How can you overcome fear of failure—and even turn failure into success?
This Guide to Successful Failures is inspired by teen submissions to the We Think Twice™ Fantastic Failures contest.
Four strategies for failing successfully, recommended by teens who have been through it, are:
Before we dive into the Guide, it is important to understand your current relationship to failure. Ask yourself:
What failures have I experienced?
What did failure feel like?
Does fear of failure influence my decisions and actions?
“I froze, doing everything in my power to not panic... I could feel the tears welling up in the corners of my eyes...” — Riley (18)
Guide to Successful Failures
We all fail. Try these strategies to turn failures into successes:
1. Refocus priorities
Question: Can I shift my attention to other priorities, like my community?
“Now I have new friends, people I can rely on. I am so grateful for them, for accepting me and helping me through my worst.” — Alma (17)
Affirmation: My effort and well-being matter more than the outcome.
“It’s not over until I give up.” — Reha (14)
2. Prioritize growth over perfection
Question: How can I grow from this?
“I will lose frequently and embarrassingly, and that’s ok. What matters more is how I deal with loss.” — Reha (14)
Affirmation: Fear will not keep me from moving forward.
"I realized it was not that I didn’t have enough time, I was just too scared to start in the fear of failing, even before I started. I was still at the starting line." — Holly (19)
3. Foster gratitude
Question: What little wins can I be grateful for?
“Failing to buy a gift taught me the joy of creating something imbued with meaning. Now embroidery is my hobby and I am forever grateful for the unexpected blessings that can come from perceived failures.” — AnhTam (17)
Affirmation: This failure will create space for other amazing things.
"Working through my failure, I became grateful that my experience enhanced my relationships with my family and friends. It made me more in touch with my emotions, and more social and outgoing." — Ashlyn (18)
4. Embrace your emotions
Question: Setbacks are hard—how can I lean on others right now?
“The auditorium was alive with the sound of their support and encouraged me to wipe my tears and continue my performance.” — Jonah (17)
Affirmation: My negative emotions will pass.
“Resilience, I discovered, wasn’t just a shield against setbacks; it was a mindset that allowed me to confront my challenges with determination and courage.” — Ava (17)
