Coach's Corner

Life-long Learning ... It’s more ‘Art’ than ‘Science’

Wouldn’t it be perfect if there was a formula, a procedure, or a protocol that would guarantee success in learning life lessons? A method that would ensure the ideal results, every time?

In a perfect world, just such a method would exist, and we would all live happily ever after. But, we all know, that such a world does not exist and life is about far more than simply ‘being happy’. In reality, the end result of perfection is unattainable, so life becomes far more about the process than the impossible goal of perfection. So, here we are, humans, in process as Life-Long Learners.

As a Life-Long Learner, not only does the ultimate goal of perfection become less significant, but failure becomes an important tool. Author, Seth Godin listed different kinds of failure; from failures that shouldn’t stop you, to failures that should never happen. What he says is true, “Not all failures are the same.” Here are five kinds I’ve borrowed from him and edited for this post:

FAIL OFTEN: Ideas that challenge the status quo. Proposals. Brainstorms. Concepts that open doors.

FAIL FREQUENTLY: Prototypes. Spreadsheets. Samples. Creative expression.

FAIL OCCASIONALLY: Working mockups. Playtesting sessions. Collaborative meetings.

FAIL RARELY: Interactions with individuals you are responsible to.

FAIL NEVER: Keeping promises.

The idea that ‘those who fail are weak’ is a lie we need to ignore. Don’t be afraid to fail! Failure is inevitable, especially when we’re trying new things that will make the world around us a better place (as Christ called us to do)! More important than our failing itself, is our response to failure. Do we learn from our mistakes? Do we gain resolve to make things better at the next opportunity? Do we take it as a reminder that we are completely reliant on the grace of God? Or do we run and hide, or lash out when we feel weakness is exposed?

I’m not looking forward to the next time I will fail, but I AM excited about my next opportunity to grow! Thanking God, along with you, for his mercy and the life-long chances we have to be a learner!

Posted August 01, 2010