There are three key moments in my 31 years that I have experienced failure. At the time and even up to the present day, these moments have been integral to me learning more about myself, and strengthening my inner being.
I hate failing with a passion, I don’t find it comfortable but I do believe we need to fail in life and learn from those experiences.
Ten Tors Challenge
The Ten Tors Challenge is a two-day walking expedition across Dartmoor, participants can complete a 35, 45, or 55-mile challenge.
I trained for the Ten Tors between 2002-2004, the first year was unfortunately cancelled due to an outbreak of Foot & Mouth disease. But after a relentless two years of training which involved a ten or twenty-mile hike every fortnight across Dartmoor, it was the final weekend-long expedition that would qualify us for making one of the teams the school would enter for the two-day 35-mile challenge.
However, having got so far on the first day, I don’t know if I became unwell or just had a mental block but for whatever reason, I couldn’t go on and had to pull out of the final training expedition. It turned into a horrible, mentally confusing weekend that never seemed to end, and made me question everything about myself and what I wanted. I felt I’d let people down, including myself, and just felt rubbish.
On the weekend of the Ten Tors Challenge, I traveled with my school to the event as first reserve, and I had everything crossed that I would still get the opportunity to take part.
As it happened, another school my school knew, needed somebody and I remember being completely elated when I got the news I would be finally able to complete the Ten Tors. As it happened, I think I actually had a much better experience walking with a completely new team; one of the guys to this day I am even still friends with.
Driving Test
Sweeties, it took me FIVE attempts to pass my driving test. In my defense, the first four tests were done one after the other without taking some more time to practice, and during that time I only had access to my instructor’s car. Whereas once I had my own car and I drove to/from work and whenever my mum could spare some time, I successfully passed on my fifth attempt.
Failing my driving test was a good lesson though, as until that point I don’t think I had failed at anything and in many ways it was good to experience not succeeding at something at the first go.
My Career in 2018
This seems quite harsh to write off 2018 in its entirety as we’re only in September, but this year has been a complete fail on the career front.
It began with me handing in my notice on the 2nd January (read why here), and then I was made redundant from a role in August. Having worked so hard since entering the full-time workplace in 2006 to explore different roles and work out what I wanted to do, which has ultimately led to university and 6 years in marketing, it’s frustrating to have finally got to a good level and then for this to happen.
That all being said, I am a huge believer in everything happening for a reason and while this has been pretty shit to experience and I do consider this experience to be one of failure, on the other hand it’s given me the boost I need to pursue working for myself.
Read also: Five things to learn when a job doesn’t work out, Is your dream job just a myth? and Recognising the need for change and how to get a new job
What to say at interview when asked about failure
At interview, it can be quite a common question to ask a prospective employee something about the last time they experienced failure, or how they have reacted to failure in the past. This isn’t to frown upon that person, it’s to find out how they learn from those experiences.
So if you are asked about failure in an interview, you can be totally honest about what happened, but be sure to end on something positive about what you learned from it. For me, I could say 2018 taught me to stay well clear of female managers (but obviously that can’t be said). However, it has made me more sure about what I want to do, what I’m good at, and also how better to cope in situations whereby I am being treated unfairly.
Read also: why an interview is stressful for someone with anxiety, and five questions that could help get you that job.
Have any of you experienced failure? What did you learn from the experience?
Until next time x
