The only failure I know is the failure to embrace failure.

When I used to lead a large department, I would ask the leaders that reported to me - how did you fail today?

Would you be surprised to learn that no one enjoyed answering the question?

Quite often, I would hear, "Well, I don't think I failed..." or, "I don't like how the word 'fail' sits with me." Okay, I get it. No one likes to think they failed. But, I believe it's the use of this harsh and extreme word that motivates us to profoundly think about our actions or inactions. It can't stop there, though.

In my mind, the only time "failure" does not sit right is when I choose not to learn and change from my "failure." Or, when I decide not to learn my lesson. Learning the lesson is growth, and growth is life.

Will Smith and David Goggins have commented on this topic a bit. I believe they, and others like them, are right. What they get, that I wish more people would, is that failure is to be embraced. To embrace failure is to embrace learning is to embrace life.

I am all about "coming alive" and becoming a more effective version of yourself. For the next few days, I am going to share my own failures. What I learned and how I've turned many negatives into positives.

I hope you'll consider following along.

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