Since the start of time the word ‘failure’ has always had a negative connotation attached to it. The very mention of it in the same sentence as your name is an excuse to feel ashamed and inadequate. The average human being is overcome with emotion as he/she makes a mental list of what went wrong in their lives and how it all led to this devastating day of doom. However it’s never wise to have a defeatist attitude over a simple thing like failure.
As a designer we have to develop thick skins as it is sometimes the case that we are deemed to have ‘failed’ with an idea. The reality is often very different.
This is the perfect time of year to look at it as a life’s lesson in human development. Here are some of the reasons for why failure can be a good thing.
Making Mistakes.
Making mistakes is a very important process in the world of design. It allows you to take in all the data from your latest endeavour and analyse what you did wrong and how you can improve. It’s highly unlikely that someone gets something right the first time of asking. Everyone will have a different approach to dealing with their failure. Every mistake should be treated as a lesson.
Taking Risks
With accepting failure as a possibility in your life you also invite the urge to take risks. Years ago most businesses would discourage this type of mindset and as a result would settle for mediocrity. However recently with the economy suffering the only way to survive and be noticed is to take risks that would set you apart from the competition. In fact its been reported that current employers recently choose to look at both the success and failures of candidates mainly for the reason of separating the risk-takers from the regular workers. The risk-takers have a better record of being hired.
Learning Curve
With every failure you are building up a deep understanding in your field. Something that, in the following years, is known as experience. Thomas Edison failed 1000 times when inventing the lightbulb. When asked about it he remarked “I have not failed a 1000 times, I have found a 1000 ways that won’t work”.
Persevering in your field of study ensures that you have a better understanding of your subject than someone who has only studied it once. You, through experience, know what you should or shouldn’t do therefore giving you an edge against someone who doesn’t have that level of experience. Through your past failures you end up gaining a better understanding of how things function.
Innovation
There will always be a correct method or certain rules for doing things. There is always a right way and a wrong way. However to do something unprecedented certain rules need to be changed or bent accordingly.
Only by ignoring what’s already been advised several times can you really hope to create something unique.
Trying out strange new methods can take you to different paths and help initiate new ideas. After all someone, somewhere, must have broken a rule or two in order to stand out from their competitors today.
Failure should never be viewed in the negative sense. Every failure should be viewed as an opportunity to try harder next time and learn from your mistakes.
Remember, you are in the same company as many others who have failed.
1. Albert Einstein – 1921 Nobel Peace Prize in Physics
Wasn’t able to speak until he was almost 4 years old. His teachers said he’d “Never amount to anything”
2. Michael Jordan – Professional American Basketball Player
After being cut from his high school basketball team, he went home, locked himself in his room and cried.
3. Walt Disney – Co-founder of Walt Disney Productions
Was fired from The Kansas City Star newspaper. His boss told him he ‘lacked creativity and imagination’
4. The Beatles – Winners of 7 Grammy Awards
Rejected by Decca Recording Studios, who said ” We don’t like their sound” and “They don’t have a future in show business”
5. JK Rowling – Author of Harry Potter book series
Had her first Harry Potter book in 1995 rejected by 12 different publishers. Including Bloomsbury (who finally purchased her manuscript) who told her to “get a day job.”
Hakim Shujaee is a Designer at Happy Creative, a full service marketing and creative agency based in Blackpool, Lancashire. To learn more or contact us please go to www.happy-creative.co.uk
