How to View Failures As Learning Experiences

View failures as lessons and not mistakes. Those who have an optimism mindset view failures as learning experiences. They think in terms of progress. This type of mindset encourages individuals to set higher expectations for themselves so as to enable them to strive even harder. Individuals with growth mindsets, however, are far more likely to view failures as learning experiences. In addition, a growth mindset also encourages individuals to set high standards for themselves.


There is one common mistake that most people make when they evaluate their personal and professional achievements. The mistake is to focus on what they did not do or failed to do rather than what they did accomplish. This is why most unsuccessful people present a list of their greatest setbacks. These are setbacks that, while not a failure, still leave them wanting more in life. It's important that those with personal growth goals view their setbacks as positive stepping-stones toward success.

When an individual views his or her setbacks as stepping-stones toward success, the person's attitude changes from being one of disappointment to one of determination. People who see their goals as milestones are more likely to take the necessary actions needed to reach their goals. This results in more than one thing. Individuals who view their failures as learning opportunities often end up with plans to overcome these stumbling blocks. Individuals who view their setbacks as stepping-stones will have a plan in place should these stumbling blocks become a barrier to their success.

Those with high self-esteem often view their setbacks as opportunities for growth. They see their setbacks as an opportunity to build on their strengths. Individuals with high self-esteem also believe that they have control over their emotions and are not controlled by circumstances. Individuals who view their failures as learning experiences will have positive self-talk and will have confidence in their own abilities.

Individuals who develop a fixed mindset will not be discouraged by their failures. A fixed mindset is one where an individual will not change his or her mindset no matter what obstacles lie in their path. If you want to learn something new, an individual with a fixed mindset will not be dissuaded no matter how much new knowledge may throw him off. People with fixed mindset will also be able to harness their abilities and talents to achieve their goals.

A growth mindset, on the other hand, views failures as teaching experiences. A growth mindset recognizes that human beings can alter their mindset to address new circumstances. Individuals with growth mindset will be encouraged to take things in stride and will not give up in the face of obstacles. An individual who has a growth mindset will also be in a position to evaluate new opportunities and will not be quick to dismiss them out of hand.

The final mindset, the fixed mentality, views failures as unwanted challenges. The individual with a fixed mindset will resist anything that looks like an attempt to change his or her way of doing things. The individual with this attitude is likely to be resistant to learning new things, accepting that things will always be the way they are, and have little interest in pursuing any sort of growth. This type of person will probably never experience any personal success. The only way for such a person to experience success is if he or she can convince himself or herself that he or she is good enough. Only then will the dweck (fixed mindset) ever be willing to adopt new ways of doing things and improving upon ones own ability.


Having an abundance of emotions allows us to take big steps forward. However, having little emotions also limits us. When we have little emotions, we are much more likely to get caught up in what other people are saying, what their emotions are telling us, and what the media is trying to sell us. If we want to be leaders who genuinely exhibit the characteristics of leadership, then it behooves all of us to learn how to manage our emotions and to pay attention when others are talking.