The Better Way to Fail

The next time something you do flops, here's a new way to learn from it.

- JASON FEIFER

When things go wrong, ask yourself this question: Did I just run an accidental experiment? The answer might be yes. And once you realize this, you'll feel a lot better.

Because here's the thing: Mistakes suck. But the "accidental experiment" concept completely reframes them. It gives you something to ponder, explore, and learn from.

I stumbled into this idea recently after messing something up and feeling awful - until a friend helped me see the benefits of disaster.

Here was the scene of the failure: I'd organized a webinar for some of my newsletter subscribers (join at jasonfeifer.​com/news-letter). My friend Richelle DeVoe was hosting; she's a consumer psychology expert, and was teaching the art of interviewing customers. Lots of planning went into this, and we met on Zoom for a 60-minute call.

Attendance was great. Richelle was great. And then, 40 minutes in...poof! The Zoom room closed, everyone was kicked out, and I panicked. How could this happen?! What a terrible experience!