Failure is an option
Start writing a post
Student Life

Failure is an option

Why teaching only success isn't helpful

9
Failure is an option
Cornell University

I am currently in the process of changing majors, and will soon be very busy playing catch up. With that being said, I have deeply enjoyed my time writing here. Its therapeutic to release your thoughts somewhere that people can't argue back. I strongly recommend everyone become a writer, we all have a story to tell. I do have one last thought to leave with you and I hope that you enjoy this last bit of insight.

I've learned that failure is our biggest teacher in life. Through failure, a drive to succeed is developed. Through failure, we learn to deal with losing. In this world many think they are entitled to success. Losing is something many parents try to shelter their children from. The sad truth is that we are failing the human race by taking away the experience of failure.

I am not big into using studies as examples because the fact of the matter is observation into real life seems to be a lot more telling than a scientific study in most circumstances. Seeing a child cry after a defeat in a soccer match could tell scientist that it is “damaging to their growth and development” when in all actuality the chilling is learning how to process those feelings and emotions. Taking away a win/loss system produces a child filled with winning expectations in a competitive world filled with losing on a daily basis.

When we teach children that failure isn't an option, we are limiting them. Think of all the great inventions created by failure, think of all the things we’ve learned through failure. Failing a class in high school has become on of the most shameful act possible whereas in college failing a class simply means don’t take it again.

We limit the amount of discovery that could be allowed by “outlawing” failure. It almost seems as if there is an agenda to always be successful as quick as possible. This is ridiculous! What ever happened to getting lost in the woods? As a child I used to want to get lost in the woods so that i could find my way back home. Along the way I imagine I would have discovered so much about the world that otherwise would have gone unnoticed due to taking the short and narrow path. We are losing our wandering spirit. That voice that tells us to get lost along the way, to enjoy the path you define. That's the same way failure works. Failure allows for us to find a path that will lead us to where we want to go. Getting lost along the way is part of the experience. It allows us to see the world as it is, a bunch of losers that will get lucky every now and again.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

54597
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

35131
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

957375
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

183609
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments