Failure is Success

`“I haven't failed -- I've just found 10,000 that won't work.” Thomas Edison

And no, that’s not me in the picture, fortunately — that would be some random gentleman on Google…

Okay, Edison’s quote is a bit of a platitude at this point. I remember reading it in 6th grade for the first time and thinking about how profound it was. It may have been overused over the years, but the bottom line is, failure is success. Now, I know there are things are out that we obviously don’t want to fail at — school, for example. I’m not here to tell that you that failing out of school is success. What I am here to tell you, though, is that failing at the gym is probably one of the best things that can happen to you, and you can very likely see that as a metaphor for most things in life.

Alright, so story-time. As I’ve mentioned before, I’ve always wanted to hit 225 on Incline Bench Press for 6 reps, 2 sets. Hasn’t happened yet, but I’m getting there. I started off benching 95 pounds on Incline, and just last week, I hit 225 for 3. So, I’m close and I’m getting there. With that said, the only reason I’ve been able to do this is because I have failed at multiple stages along the way. I’ve failed on 135, I’ve failed on on 195, I’ve failed at 205, etc. What has failing at those weights done for me? Built the courage to try things that I know may or not be doable, and when I am given the answer in the most obvious form (135 pounds falling on my chest) that they are not doable, I’m still the one who won. Each time I failed at those weights, I laugh, shake it off, and am proud that I tested my limits. I come away with more confidence from those failed benches than I do if I were to lift the weight, because I know I had the courage to try something that stretched me to my limits. Also, I’ve found that this will build more character for you outside the gym, than in the gym as well.

You can take most examples from your life and apply this concept too. Want to ask out a girl who is out of your league? It’s not about her answer to you — that’s just icing on the cake. The real win is asking her out, because you put yourself out of your comfort zone and tested your limits. Want to get that job you’ve been dreaming of? Apply and see where it goes. Apply to all of them. You’ll get 99 “No’s” but all it takes is a single “Yes” to come out ahead, and you wouldn't have gotten that “Yes” without sifting through the 99 “No’s” (just like I wouldn’t be nearly where I am with Incline Bench had I not tested my limits).

Now, of course there are a few caveats here. First, I’m not saying to go load the bench press with 500 pounds and have your chest cave in when it comes crashing down. Obviously, the approach to all of this must be cautiously calculated and assessed. So lift what you think is just enough to unattainable and be safe doing it. Secondly, always remember to be proud of yourself from trying — don’t forget that this is about you. If you fail at the bench? Be proud that you tried. If you asked the girl out? Be proud that you tried. It’s about you and only you in these situations. Go out there and test your limits — this is why this post goes into “Mental Strength” instead of “Lifting” — the idea here is more important for your mind than it is just your fitness. You got this.

As always, reach out if you have any questions.