By John C. Maxwell Failing Forward Beginning

What is “failure?” Failure is often defined as, “falling short of one’s goals.” Who defines those goals? Is “failure” uncomfortable? Is “failure” avoidable? No, failure is unavoidable and is, in fact, essential for success. Yes! It is natural for our children to want to avoid failure because it is uncomfortable. It is also natural for us as adults to want to “protect” our children.

Is “failure” a good thing? Yes! Failure teaches us how to: Problem Solve Seek help and ask questions Learn to push ourselves Appreciate success Make better choices While life is easier without “failure,” we cannot grow as learners and people. Our children are the same way!

Failing Backward vs. Failing Forward Taking responsibility Learning from mistakes Knowing failure is a part of the process Keeping a positive attitude Challenging assumptions Taking new risks Persevering Blaming others (friends, parents, teachers, etc.) Repeating the same mistakes Expecting to never fail Expecting to always fail Accepting tradition blindly Limited by past mistakes Quitting

Example: Is an F a failure? Is it uncomfortable for your child? Yes Will your child wish to do better? Most likely Will you want to help your child do better? Absolutely Does it label your child a “failure?” No An “F” can only be labeled a failure if there is no reflection or review of the assessment and no changes to perform better next time.

Fear of Failure creates: Paralysis- They stop moving forward for fear of failure Procrastination Purposelessness 4 Negative side effects of fear of failure: Self Pity Excuses Misused energy Hopelessness

How do our kids “think” they fail? Grades, Tests, Quizzes, Homework, Projects, Etc. Sports Teams- playing time, which team they made, performance, etc. Social Interactions Making Poor Choices: “In trouble” Physical Characteristics – adolescence; avoiding being different

Student Reactions (Failing Backward): Self Pity- This isn’t fair, Teacher/Friends hate me, I’m stupid Excuses- Teacher didn’t teach that, I didn’t know, Coach likes him better Misused energy- Continuing to re-hash ‘failure’, not moving forward Hopelessness- “I’ll Never…”; “I’ll be in trouble forever”

How Can We Help Students Fail Forward? Set-backs are normal (they are not failure) Let’s put it into perspective (What is important) Take Responsibility (reflect on your preparation, actions, performance. mistake) Accept consequences What’s the plan to move forward? (What do YOU need to do first and then who else can help?) Follow through on the plan Continue to evaluate and re-assess

Examples of Failing Forward CNN article – Jennifer Egan – Pulitzer Prize author discusses how she will go through drafts before a novel is published. CNN article “The struggle, of course, is often about fear: the fear of getting it wrong, of hitting a dead end, of wasting time. Of failing.” “Successful people, we imagine, are somehow blessed with more optimism, bigger brains and higher ideals than the rest of us. But it's not true. Successful people -- creative people -- fail every day, just like everybody else. Except they don't view failure as a verdict. They view it as an opportunity. Indeed, it's failure that paves the way for creativity.”

Examples of Failing Forward Rudy – Move about Rudy Ruettiger who follows his dream of playing football at Notre Dame even though he lacks the grades, finances, and physical traits typically expected. Rudy Pursuit of Happyness – The movie about the real life story of Chris Gardner, who struggled through challenging times to become a successful Wall Street broker. Pursuit of Happyness