OUCH...That Hurt!

Not too long ago, I took a big risk. I signed up for something I had never done before—something that required focus, determination, and commitment. I practiced hard. I prepared. I gave it my best shot.

And in the end? I didn’t get the outcome I had hoped for.

My ego was bruised. My sense of confidence took a hit. But even in the disappointment, I felt something else, too. Pride, not in the result, but in my willingness to step up, take a chance, and push myself far outside my comfort zone.

I didn’t let fear of potential "failure" make the decision for me. I took the leap anyway.

I once read about a family who, at the dinner table each night, had a tradition: everyone shared how they failed that day. They didn’t do this to dwell on mistakes—but to celebrate risk-taking. In their home, failure wasn’t something to fear. It was proof of courage.

I’ve always thought that was remarkable.

Because when we take risks, try something new, or step into the unknown, we create space for what is possible. And while it can be humbling, even painful, it can also offer some of the most beautiful lessons about ourselves:

💡 What we are capable of.

💡 Where we can improve.

💡 How to get back up after a setback.

It reminds me of one of my favorite quotes:

"What if I fall?

Oh, but darling, what if you FLY?"

Self-Aware Leaders don’t avoid failure—they take advantage of it. They understand that setbacks are not proof of weakness but evidence of potential growth.

If we want to grow, we have to be willing to:

✔️ Step into discomfort. Trying something new means we might not get it right the first time—and that’s okay.

✔️ Separate failure from identity. Failing at something doesn’t make you a failure. It makes you a courageous someone who tried.

✔️ Learn, adjust, and try again. The lesson is in the experience, but only if we take the time to learn and reflect.

So today, ask yourself:

➡️ What is one risk I’ve been avoiding because I’m afraid I might fail?

➡️ How can I shift my mindset from “failure” to “failing forward”?

➡️ Am I letting fear hold me back from something great?

I’d love to hear your thoughts—drop your answers here, and together let's continue to take risks, embrace the lessons, and FAIL FORWARD…because we just might FLY!

YOU MATTER!