Failure is an option

Failure is a Taboo We Should Embrace

Australians pride themselves on a 'give it a go' attitude, yet failure often carries a sting that lingers. Whether it's a project that didn't hit the mark, a startup that fizzled, or a career move that backfired, failure can feel deeply personal and isolating. But what if we flipped the narrative? What if we viewed failure not as a dead end but as a stepping stone to growth?

For years, the adage "failure is not an option" has been ingrained in professional and personal mindsets. While it may sound motivational, this mentality can lead to fear-driven decision-making and an aversion to risk. Here’s the truth: failure is absolutely an option—and often, it’s a necessary one. By giving ourselves permission to fail, we open the door to experimentation, innovation, and growth that would otherwise remain locked behind the fear of making mistakes.

Take the story of Boost Juice founder Janine Allis. Before her meteoric rise in business, she encountered her fair share of missteps, including ventures that didn’t pan out as planned. Instead of being deterred, she treated every setback as a lesson—a practice that ultimately helped her build one of Australia’s most recognisable brands. Failure wasn’t her enemy; it was her teacher.

If we can learn to embrace failure as a part of the journey, both individually and collectively, we unlock resilience, innovation, and long-term success. It’s time to reshape how we think about failure in the workplace and beyond.

Lessons from Failure: Turning Setbacks into Stepping Stones

Failure is inevitable, but it’s also invaluable—if you know how to use it.

Here are some practical strategies for turning setbacks into opportunities for growth:

1. Conduct a "Failure Post-Mortem"

After a setback, gather your team (or reflect individually) to analyse what happened. Ask these key questions:

• What went wrong?

• What factors were within your control, and which were not?

• What lessons can be applied to future projects?

By reframing the experience as a learning exercise, you transform failure into actionable insights. Just like successful Australian startups that iterate through multiple versions before finding the winning formula, this approach helps you move forward smarter.

2. Foster Psychological Safety

Teams that can openly discuss failures are more likely to innovate and grow. Leaders play a critical role in creating an environment where people feel safe admitting mistakes without fear of blame. Encourage vulnerability by sharing your own challenges and lessons learned—this sets the tone for honest conversations.

However, fostering psychological safety isn’t just about making people feel comfortable admitting their mistakes. It’s about shifting the focus from individuals to the broader problems at hand. When discussing a setback, avoid pointing fingers and instead focus on identifying the root causes. This approach ensures the team feels united in solving challenges rather than divided by blame. By keeping the emphasis on collaboration and solutions, you create a culture where failure becomes a shared opportunity for growth.

3. Celebrate the Lessons Learned

Instead of sweeping failures under the rug, highlight the takeaways. For example, if a marketing campaign underperformed, celebrate the discovery of what doesn’t work and how that knowledge informs better strategies. Recognition of growth keeps morale high and reduces the stigma around failure.

4. Build Resilience Through Reflection

Failure can feel personal, but it’s rarely permanent. Develop resilience by focusing on the bigger picture. Journaling, seeking feedback, professional coaching or mentoring others can provide fresh perspectives on the value of your experiences. These practices ensure failure becomes a stepping stone, not a stumbling block.

It’s equally important not to lose sight of the reflections you’ve made. Use them as fuel to drive meaningful change or to do better next time. Whether it’s adjusting your approach, setting new goals, or refining your strategy, let the lessons from failure guide your future actions. By turning reflection into purposeful action, you transform setbacks into powerful catalysts for growth.

Reframing Failure as Fuel for Success

Failure is not a verdict; it’s a process. It’s the bruises you earn on the way to achieving something meaningful.

The Australian professional landscape is full of stories that demonstrate this—from innovators in technology to leaders in agriculture and the arts. Each success story is underpinned by lessons learned the hard way.

Take Canva, the Australian graphic design platform co-founded by Melanie Perkins, Cliff Obrecht, and Cameron Adams. In its early days, Canva faced significant challenges, including difficulty securing funding and scepticism from investors about its potential. By persisting and iterating on their product, the team transformed Canva into a global design powerhouse. Their journey highlights the importance of resilience and refining your vision through setbacks.

Next time failure knocks, pause. It’s not an end; it’s a call to adapt, learn, and grow. Whether you're reflecting on a personal setback or leading a team through a tough project, remember: failure is only the beginning of a new chapter. Embrace it, and you'll be surprised at how far it can take you.

So, what’s your next step?

Perhaps it’s time to revisit that project you shelved or to have that conversation you've been avoiding.

Treat failure not as an enemy but as a mentor. Because in the end, it’s not about avoiding failure—it’s about learning how to rise, stronger every time.