Winning at Failure: A Beginner’s Guide
Ever messed up real bad? Well, let me tell you, you’re not alone. In fact, the question I find myself asking alot is “What did you mess up this week?” To truly fail is to not try at all. I always respect my friends and family when they try something, even if it doesn’t work out as planned. In my view, they’re pioneers – helping us cross off the list something that doesn’t work.
What bugs me is when people have some brilliant sounding ideas, but they’re too scared to take the first step. That, to me, is a bigger failure than the idea not taking off.
Let me take you back to a time when I was a young and eager stage manager. I landed a job on a cruise ship. I was ten years younger than the other managers; the company was just hoping I wouldn’t cause a catastrophe during my two month stint.
That contract makes me shiver to think back because I messed up. A lot. But, you know what? I couldn’t give up. If a schedule didn’t work out because I missed a few things, I made another. If it failed because singers couldn’t perform early in the morning, I gave it another shot. I vividly remember the day I had to revise and hand out the schedule six times before getting it right.
I’ve had some rough and tumble experiences – like nearly chopping my arm off the first time I used a chop saw, learning how to talk to performers by making awkward mistakes, and even managing to shock myself while fiddling with electrical equipment.
I wouldn’t have lasted a minute in theatre if I was afraid of messing up. Theatre taught me the value of persistence.
Now, when I see a rookie stage manager fouling up, I just smile and say, “Been there, done that”. After two contracts on the cruise ship, I’d pretty much mastered the job. I learned that even during a steep learning curve, hard work and determination goes a long way. There was this magician who liked his things set up beforehand and when I made my team come in early to be ready for him, he was so impressed he got me a longer contract.
Tumbling around making mistake after mistake, just remember to keep trying and doing your best. You might find a hidden gem of success right under those failings. So, want to learn how to win at failure? Keep going and try again.