Why I hope to fail in 2016

Yep, you read that right! This year, one of my goals is to fail...fail forward that is. As many of you know, I'm an online wellness coach, and one of my favorite things about  coaching is that it has taught me how to take action on my dreams, whatever they may be. But, I still find myself stuck in fear and paralyzed when trying to do what scares me. Well,  I just read John Maxwell's book entitled"Failing Forward," and my mind exploded. Where had that book been my whole life? Why hadn't I picked it up till now?? It's changed everything about how I view my goals, accomplishments, and failures, and I am definitely implementing failure into my 2016 goals and intentions. 

The concept of failing is so difficult for most of us. We want to do everything in our power to prevent ourselves from failing. We tend to let our fear keep us in our safe, small bubble. I often underestimate my abilities and set low standards for myself that I KNOW I will reach, just so I don't fail. Well, enough is enough!

Maxwell discusses failure and mistakes in this book, but takes it one step further. He challenges us to think about what we do AFTER the failure.

Maxwell states, "the only way to break the cycle is to face your fear and take action, even though it may seem small or insignificant." The "cycle" he is referring to is the cycle of being paralyzed after a failure. We all fail, but it is what we do right after the failure that develops are character, strengthens us, and helps us fail forward, instead of stay stagnant or go backwards. We can vow to never fail again and become inactive in our lives, or we can choose to take the next step, grow, and continue on this journey called life.

This year, I'm choosing to keep failing. I want to do the next thing, not just wallow in my mistakes. Like the following quote says, I want to go on to the next challenge each and every time I fail...

"Learn from your failures and go on to the next challenge. It's ok to fail. If you're not failing, you're not growing."  -H. Stanley Judd

And that my friends is precisely why I plan on failing this year. I want to grow. I don't want to stay stuck in a cycle of fear, not reaching my full potential. I was made for more than that, and I know God has given me many gifts and talents to be used for HIS glory. So why should I be afraid? I want to take the risks necessary to move forward, no matter how scary they may be. 

If you want to take your 2016 to the next level, I strongly recommend this book. If you have always felt a tension between your dreams and abilities, pick up this book and read it. Absorb it, take it in, and apply it to your life.

This isn't just a warm and fuzzy, confidence-boosting book that will leave you smiling and comfortable. It will take you out of your comfort zone, redefine how you view fear, and give you the tools to get out of your own way and face your fears.

I have big goals and big dreams for 2016, and I plan on failing my way to each and every one of them! 

"Failure is either your friend or your enemy- and you are the one who chooses which it is." - John Maxwell