3 Elements of Failure

3 Elements of Failure

One of the hardest parts of life and business is to know when to keep going and when to move on to something else. The decision of quitting or the word I prefer to use 'adjusting', is a difficult one.

It can be said perseverance, consistency and grit are keys to achieving success in any field and/or business. Anyone who is looking to master their craft and skill set will at some stage face moments of doubt. However, the difference between success and failure for many is the inner resolve and tenacity to keep going.

But how do I know when to get out?

If you want to build a successful business, lifestyle, marriage or learn a new skill then “sticking with it” is perhaps the most critical trait to possess. Stick to your guns and don't quit.....ever?

"Is this the best advice? - Don't quit ever!"

Telling someone to never give up is terrible advice as that does not stand strong when making critical decisions and implementing required adjustments to your life and/or business. Being stubborn can be very costly.

Successful people give up all the time. I have changed my focus more than once in my business career and I am always evolving and looking for what works and what I align with. My passion for creation will always stand strong however I also have made many adjustments to my thinking and have shelved many ideas that were not 100% aligned with my life goals or values.

If something is not working, smart people don’t repeat it endlessly.

They revise. They adjust. They divert. They stop. They change. They start again.

This is not failure. These are strategic adjustments.

“Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”

Life requires a strategic approach. Sometimes you need to display unwavering confidence and double down on your efforts. Sometimes you need to abandon the things that aren’t working and try something new.

The key question is: how do you know when to give up and when to stick with it?

One way to answer this question is to use a framework I call the 3 Stages of Failure.

The 3 Elements of Failure

This framework can help you clarify your mistakes classifying them into three elements of failure:

Element 1 - Failure in Tactics. These are HOW mistakes. They occur when you fail to build robust operating systems, measurable progression, accountability, and fail to focus on the detail of your planning. A Failure of Tactics is a failure to execute. It is a failure of planning and a failure of vision.

Element 2 - Failure in Strategy. These are WHAT mistakes. They occur when you follow a strategy that fails to deliver the results you want. Knowing your direction and outcome is different to understanding the process it takes to achieve the outcome. Sometimes we make mistakes and we are required to adjust the strategy.

Element 3 - Failure in Vision. These are WHY mistakes. They occur when you don’t set a clear direction for yourself or for your business. This also applies to following a vision that does not align with your passion. What do you really want in life and business? What is your mission and vision?

My hope is that the 3 Elements of Failure will support better decision making into your future. Learning to know when to quit and when to stick with it. When to ride the wave and when to seek something different.

It takes practice as well as dedicated thought to these aspects of live.

Don't let life pass you by without a level of awareness.

Your life and happiness depends on it.

"Victory loves preparation."