The Virtues Of Failure

Yesterday, I lead an activity in a book circle that completely flopped.

In my head, it was going to be this magical exercise, where people had these intense revelations, and could see their gaps, so that could better mind, or manage them.

It didn't work.

I explained my reasoning for the activity, linking the book's teachings with comments from our last book circle session, and in the end we moved on.

Was it a failure?

Last night, I started reading the book Les Vertus de l'Echec by Charles Pépin, which literally translates to "The Virtues of Failure."

After giving plenty of well known examples of people who embraced failure, he talks about how there isn't just one virtue of failure, but many. (Don't worry, I'll translate it for you.)

1) The failures that give us the perseverance to continue on the same path.
2) The failures that give us the momentum to change direction.
3) The failures that incite us to give more.
4) The failures that permit us to let go.
5) The failures that make us more combative or competitive.
6) The failures that make us wiser
7) The failures that simply free us up to do something else.

(It seemed more poetic in French when I was reading it last night.)

If I think of yesterday's flopped activity, I can see exactly how the 3rd virtue fits in, as this morning, I was promoted to do more research on this company that I am working with, so that I will be better able to provide them with better experiences.

I also like to think that I am wiser as well, though that could be up for debate.

If you think of a recent "failure," which virtues do you see from those?

Originally posted on Linkedin

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