10 Lessons from Failing

CAWSTEM
CAWSTEM Blog
Published in
3 min readJun 27, 2024

[TeePee Day Recap]

When it comes to failure, we all have different stories of our experiences. However, we share one common aspect: the lessons learned. Speaking of lessons, our very own Cofounder ,Wamide A. , has shared her thoughts on growth and failure.

Every third Friday of the month, we gather at a one-hour power-packed event, that creates a safe haven where every member can harness the collective brilliance of our tribe. Teepee Day is where careers take center stage and the community becomes a catalyst for growth and transformation!

Here are some of the top 10 lessons learned from failure experiences shared during our TeePee Day this June:

1. Change the Approach to Failure

One of the first lessons shared was the importance of altering how we perceive failure. Instead of viewing it as a negative thing, we can see it as a stepping stone to growth and learning. By changing our mindset, failure becomes a powerful tool for development.

2. Learn to Ask for Help

Failure often teaches us humility and the need for support. Many shared that they learned to reach out to others, seeking advice, mentorship, and assistance, which ultimately led to overcoming obstacles and achieving success.

3. Practice Makes Perfect

Preparation is crucial. Overconfidence can lead to mistakes, but diligent practice and thorough preparation can mitigate the risks of failure. Embracing the process of continuous improvement helps build resilience and competence.

4. Build Mental Strength

Failure can be a catalyst for strengthening mental fortitude. The challenges faced and overcome during difficult times enhance our ability to handle future adversities with greater confidence and composure.

5. See Failure as an Experience, Not a Measure of Worth

It’s important to understand that failure is an experience, not a reflection of our value. By separating our self-worth from our setbacks, we can maintain a positive self-image and continue striving towards our goals.

6. See Failure as a Second Chance

Failures often present new opportunities. They offer a second chance to approach a situation differently, apply new strategies, and ultimately achieve a better outcome. Embracing this perspective fosters a sense of hope and perseverance.

7. Allow Yourself to Mourn

Acknowledging and mourning our failures is crucial. Giving ourselves permission to feel disappointment and sadness allows us to process the experience fully and eventually move forward.

8. Get Back Up

Resilience is about rising after a fall. Learning to pick ourselves up after a failure, dust off, and try again is a testament to our determination and strength.

9. Avoid the Trap of Focusing on Failures

Dwelling on failures can be paralyzing. It’s important to focus on solutions and future actions rather than remaining stuck in the past. Shifting our focus to proactive steps helps us move beyond setbacks and continue progressing.

10. Seek Feedback

Constructive feedback is invaluable for growth. Actively seeking input from others about our failures provides insights into areas for improvement and helps us learn from our mistakes. It’s a powerful tool for continuous learning and development.

Failures are an inevitable part of life, but how we respond to them shapes our journey. The lessons shared during TeePee Day remind us that failure is not an end but a beginning. By changing our perspective, seeking support, and embracing resilience, we can turn our setbacks into powerful opportunities for growth and success. Remember, each failure is a stepping stone toward achieving our full potential.

CAWSTEM is a community of African women in STEM. We are a female-led crew, on a mission to rewrite the narrative about having few women in STEM and, especially in leadership positions. We share interesting insights, news, and resources to empower women in their STEM careers. You can join the community here

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