Home > Life

How to fail forward in business

Failing isn't easy, but it's the only way you're going to learn and grow from your mistakes.

Tracey Edouard

on July 14, 2016

A retro businessman falling from his high pedestal. The man & pedestal and background are on separate labeled layers. Credit: RETROROCKET / Getty Images

Mashable's latest #BizChats focused on the benefits of embracing failure in business.

Over the course of an hour, our guests covered an array of questions ranging from how to boost self-confidence when overcoming a challenge at work, to how to cultivate growth and push past fear as a professional.

Several motivational speakers and career coaches took part in the conversation including: Chandresh Bhardwaj, storyteller & spiritual advisor; Chelsea Krost, millennial spokesperson, brand consultant & keynote speaker; Chuck Gallagher, CEO of the Ethics Resource Group; and Marianne Williamson, internationally acclaimed spiritual author and lecturer.

You May Also Like

Check out highlights from the chat in the Storify below.

Mashable Trend Report

Decode what’s viral, what’s next, and what it all means.

By clicking Sign Me Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Thanks for signing up!

Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

View the story "#BizChats: How to fail forward in business" on Storify#BizChats: How to fail forward in businessMashable discussed how to grow professionally and push past fear in business. Storified by Mashable· Wed, Jul 13 2016 19:16:59 Failing is never easy. What’s even harder is finding the strength and the will to bounce back from a struggle. What holds many professionals back in business is the fear of failure. However, it’s in the midst of that struggle where you learn how to build up grit, endurance and the self-confidence to overcome obstacles.

Truly, the fear of failure starts in the mind. When presented with an opportunity that has an unknown trajectory, your mind instantly starts to formulate different scenarios that usually doesn’t resolve in a pleasant outcome. It’s a defense mechanism. In order to counteract this career-crippling habit, we're here to share tips on how to shift your mindset from a negative into a positive and learn to fail forward.

@mashbusines and several spiritual advisors and career experts participated in a #BizChats Twitter chat to discuss how professionals how to overcome obstacles in business. Welcome to #BizChats! Today we’re discussing how to turn your failures into successes in business. Please introduce yourselves!Mashable BusinessA warm welcome to our experts: @cbmeditates, @ChelseaKrost, @Chuckgallagher & @marwilliamson! #BizChatsMashable Business#BizChats tip #1: Be sure to number your answers according to the question you're answering. (ie., Q1.--> A1., Q2. --> A2., Q3. --> A3.)Mashable Business#BizChats tip #2: Don’t forget to include #BizChats at the end of all your answers to be a part of the conversation!Mashable BusinessOne more minute until Q1. #BizChatsMashable BusinessQuestion 1:Q1. Why should people learn to embrace failure in business? #BizChatsMashable BusinessQ1A1: Its funny to think that we should embrace failure. But failure comes along with a lot of learning lessons. #bizchatsChelsea KrostQ1A2: Although failure hurts it should motivate you to learn from what was done wrong & tackle the next task that much smarter. #bizchatsChelsea KrostA1. I wouldn’t say embrace your failure, but accept it and learn from it. The pain has a lot to teach you. #BizChatsMarianne WilliamsonA1. Duality exists. Hot cold. Black white. There can be no success without failure! Embrace failure and success is possible. #BizChatsMotivational Speaker@mashbusiness A1: Failure makes you re-evaluate the situation, and work towards a solution. #BizChatsJennifer BakerA1. The only failure in life is a failure we don’t learn from. #BizChatsMarianne WilliamsonA1. How can you learn what works if you don’t first find out what doesn’t. What doesn’t is failure. The first step to success. #BizChatsMotivational Speaker@mashbusiness A1. So one can learn from their mistakes and use it to get better. #BizChatsSamina SultanaQ1A3 Don’t let your ego get in the way of the silver lining failure brings. #bizchats https://t.co/mX5HGbgmsgChelsea KrostA1. If we learn from our failures, we go forward prepared to succeed where we failed before. #BizChatsMarianne WilliamsonA1 Failure results from an attempt. No trial & error, no education, no growth. Failing just indicates a flaw in the tested formula #BizChatsJoynicole MartinezA1: I firmly believe failure is the precursor to success..how can you know what works before you know what doesn't? #BizChatsBrett PucinoA1:Sometimes not trying costs more than failure for our entrepreneurial customers: https://t.co/tTkteWy32q #BizChats https://t.co/TzozQ6VW3rThe UPS StoreA1. Our current choices - having learned from the past - allow us to create the future we desire. There we find success. #BizChatsMotivational SpeakerA1: When you fail and stay defeated, you never learn or grow, which is essential to success #bizchatsAnnaliese HenwoodA1: No one is an expert at everything all the time. Perseverance is huge in life, especially in the business world! #BizChatsAshley N SantosA1 You learn as much, if not more, from your failures as from your successes. Failure helps you realize there's room to grow. #bizchatsGary TaylorA1: Because not all failures are the period at the end of a sentence. Often it's a well-earned lesson #BizChats https://t.co/L0YarsLqLhShannon GausepohlQ1 A4. I am living in Second Chances. What has been hardest to face has made me stronger. Its all perception. #BizChatsMotivational SpeakerA1 Failure teaches the fine lessons in business. If u aren’t failing, u aren’t taking risks:the foundation of a business success #BizChatsChandresh BhardwajQ1 A2 Failure is natures best learning ground. You have to try things see what works. The more you do, the more you fail & learn #BizChatsJim PeacockQuestion 2:Q2. What questions should you be asking yourself when reflecting on past or current challenges? #BizChatsMashable BusinessQ2. A1. What choices did I make - consciously or subconsciously that contributed to my challenge or the problem I'm facing? #BizChatsMotivational SpeakerQ2A1: Ask your self what did you right, wrong, and what is worth improving. #bizchatsChelsea Krost@mashbusiness A2. "How can I ensure that I don't make the same mistake twice?" #BizChatsTracey EdouardA2: How can I use this failure to improve my future actions? How can I stay consistent with my growth so this doesn't happen again #bizchatsAnnaliese Henwood@mashbusiness A2 Is the failure do to competency, character, culture, or lack of self-awareness? #BizChatsWes Gay@mashbusiness A2: Why did failure occur. What can I do to avoid it next time? #BizChatsJennifer BakerA2. Have a taken full responsibility for my mistakes? Atoned in my heart? Made amends? Cleaned it up? #BizChatsMarianne WilliamsonQ1A2 Checking in with yourself after each task is completed is a great way to continue to grow in your space. #bizchatsChelsea KrostA2-What's working well? What isn't working at all? and Where do I envision this being in the future, are all good questions to ask #BizChatsAshley N Santos.@mashbusiness #BizChats Ask yourself -'Am I transparent with myself?' Something we block our successKristin A. Meekhof@mashbusiness A2: Knowing what I know now, what could I do differently next time? Do I have the support + resources I need? #BizChatsThe UPS StoreA2: If you're reflecting on a past failure , the first question is " what went wrong?"..100% brutal honesty is key here #BizChatsBrett PucinoA2: What is/was the root cause of the issue(s)? I think it's fundamental & imperative to move on. #BizChats https://t.co/rBho1cV31UShannon GausepohlA2 The 5 Ws: who (usually me), what (plan, execution, resources), when, where & why (on the path did it change), how (to better) #BizChatsJoynicole MartinezA2. @marwilliamson What if we're unable or unwilling to see them as mistakes & keep repeating? #bizchatsEmma RoganA2 Learning from a failure requires a full investigation & evaluation of the inputs and outcomes over the project it takes time #BizChatsJoynicole MartinezQ2. A4. Am I looking at the past to define myself or do I recognize that my current choice create the future that I’ll live? #BizChatsMotivational SpeakerA2. Where am I coming from? Where am I going? Knowing your origin & destination in business helps you stay in focus & inspired. #BizChatsChandresh BhardwajQuestion 3:Q3. What’s the best way to minimize damage in the middle of a challenge at work? #BizChatsMashable BusinessA3. Check where you’re judging someone, because every judgment blocks a miracle. Surrender the judgement; pray to see differently #BizChatsMarianne WilliamsonA3. Let others know you're having a hard time! Take help, consider advice. Challenges are best tackled with teams. #BizChatsReĝino RinA3. Move from being impulsive to *being conscious*. Be willing to take tough decisions even if it challenges ur ego and beliefs. #BizChatsChandresh Bhardwaj@mashbusiness A3. HONESTY! It's so important to be transparent w/ the situation or else you'll never get down to the bottom of it. #BizChatsTracey EdouardQ3A2: Clear communication is the MOST important factor when completing the task at hand. Is everyone on the same page? #bizchatsChelsea KrostA3 Speak intentionally. Be transparent about what is going on. Work together to find a solution. #BizChatsHotSchedulesRCT@mashbusiness A3. Start by asking for help and don't be afraid to do so. Review what's happened and formulate solutions. #BizChatsSamina SultanaQ3A1: Be honest with yourself in the present moment is there a conversation, person, task that needs to be address & take action. #bizchatsChelsea KrostQ3.A3. Ask yourself. Am I part of the problem or part of the solution? The answer to that question can lead to great insights. #BizChatsMotivational SpeakerA3: minimise damage by getting present. Acting out of ego cld result in negative consequences, than acting from empowered state. #BizChatsAnis QizilbashA3. Control your behavior, even if you can’t yet control your feelings. We're all wounded but we don't have to act from the wound. #BizChatsMarianne WilliamsonA3. Admit your flaws. Nothing roars like learning your lesson from the mistakes! #BizChatsChandresh BhardwajA3: Recognize the challenge & make sure everyone involved has clarity around the issue. Stick to the issue not ur emotions! #BizChatsKaren LitzyA3. Be big enough to step back for a minute, cool down, and reassess how to move forward with a clear mind. #BizChatsGilbert ResendezA3. Ask in your heart for a miracle (and I’m not joking). #BizChatsMarianne Williamson@mashbusiness A3: Admin/own up to it. Once you do you (or others) can work on finding and implementing solutions. #BizChatsJennifer BakerQ3.A4. Faced once with an impossible boss, I asked what am I to learn from this situation. The answers were profound. #BizChatsMotivational SpeakerA3 Stop. Listen. Listen! Look. Learn. Then speak, maybe. If we seek 1st to understand (people/work) we tend to avoid escalations. #BizChatsJoynicole MartinezQ3.A5. Sometimes challenges (often times) challenges are there for our growth. Embrace the challenge and grow. #BizChatsMotivational SpeakerA3. To minimize damage, maximize your awareness, creativity, faith, & courage in your crusade. #BizChatsChandresh BhardwajA3: With every growth opportunity (a challenge - solution), it's important to get your team involved to learn and grow with you. #bizchatsAnnaliese HenwoodA3. Cut your losses! A lesson I learned in my wall street days! :) Still relevant in everything we do! #BizChatsChandresh BhardwajQuestion 4:Q4. How do you boost self-confidence when you’re really going through it at work? #BizChatsMashable BusinessQ4A1. I was once told: You made a big mistake, but YOU ARE NOT A MISTAKE! Those words saved my life. Know that! #BizChatsMotivational SpeakerA4: Pay attention to the positive - what will be the result when you overcome this challenge? What can motivate you? #bizchatsAnnaliese HenwoodA4. Self-confidence is a trap, a delusion. You’re the faucet, not the water. Have confidence in a power in you but not of you. #BizChatsMarianne WilliamsonQ4A1: Self-confidence certainly comes from within only you have the control to shift your own perspective. #bizchatsChelsea KrostQ4A2: It is all about staying centered for me. Yoga helps me to stay confident, strong, and centered. #bizchatsChelsea Krost@mashbusiness A4. Remember that someone hired you b/c they thought you were capable of doing great work. Cut yourself some slack. #BizChatsTracey Edouard@mashbusiness A4: Reflect: "What's the worst thing that will come out of this failure?" Then go from there! #BizChatsJennifer Baker@mashbusiness A4. Taking a break for awhile, clearing my head with a walk or coffee run, listening to music, seek advice. #BizChatsSamina SultanaA4: boost self-confidence--> self-compassion and self-love. Not in a egotistical way. #BizChatsAnis QizilbashA4- Sometimes you just have to fake it till you make it! Be positive, think positive and speak that to yourself. #BizChatsAshley N SantosA4. I start to segment my time. 30 minutes work and 5 to take a break and stress. That way both tasks get tackled. #BizChatsReĝino RinA4 I have an excellent team of friends, mentors, & family that remind me of past success and future opportunities. Get a circle! #BizChatsJoynicole MartinezA4: Boost confidence by looking back at how far you've come. Recall your past victories #BizChatsAnis QizilbashA4. Every morning before work, spend 5 minutes sending love to everyone you work with - particularly those you don't like!:) #BizChatsMarianne WilliamsonA4. Stop comparing yourself with others. You aren’t inferior, superior, or equal. You are unique & rare! Claim your uniqueness. #BizChatsChandresh BhardwajA4. Make a lot of all your accomplishments and awesome things people say about you even if you don't believe it (yet) #BizChatsGilbert ResendezA4 When I'm down, I talk to mentors. The value of outside perspective is critical to not only good for ideas, but for confidence. #BizChatsStephen ZakurA4. No matter what, be kind. Otherwise you won't feel self-confident because others won't have confidence in you. #BizChatsMarianne WilliamsonA4: I work for myself, so getting perspective from others outside of my work is key. Sometimes hard 2 see when u r in it. #BizChatsKaren LitzyQ4A3. Self-Confidence is just that - SELF. What is happening around you isn’t YOU. It’s just an experience for your growth. #BizChatsMotivational SpeakerA4 Remember, Shift Happens. Change your environment and attention for a moment, it can change your day. Or, take a nap. Seriously. #BizChatsJoynicole MartinezQuestion 5:Q5. How do you shift a work failure from a negative into a positive in business? #BizChatsMashable BusinessQ5A1: Certainly take the time to grieve your failure. You deserve to acknowledge the pain of failure. #bizchatsChelsea KrostA4) Just remember that you got to where you are because you earned it. Stay cool and focused, and everything will work out! #BizChatsGary TaylorA5: Be transparent - don't bottle up your frustrations till another, worse situation occurs. By being open, you're open to grow. #bizchatsAnnaliese HenwoodQ5A1. Learn from it! Know that failure is just one more step needed to find success. Look for what you can learn. #BizChatsMotivational SpeakerQ5A2: Take time to reflect on yourself, your team, your service protocol, your results, as yourself what could be changed. #bizchatsChelsea KrostA5. Be willing to learn, and to atone for your own mistakes. Forgive others for theirs. Commit to growing from the experience. #BizChatsMarianne Williamson@mashbusiness A5. Dwelling on it is the most self-harming thing u can do. Accept that it happened and promise yourself 2 do better #BizChatsTracey EdouardQ5A3. Understand that a negative is just part of the process of learning. Learn and you’ll no longer need that negative. #BizChatsMotivational SpeakerA5. Life isn't about suppressing anything. Its about channeling energy from negative to positive. Don't escape your emotions. #BizChatsChandresh BhardwajQ5A2. We repeat the same lessons over and over till we learn what we need to learn. Then we no longer need the lesson. #BizChatsMotivational SpeakerA5- Reminding myself that there's always opportunity for growth and improvement! And thatit's ok to fail, and learn from it. #BizChatsAshley N SantosQ5: Pivot. Having the agility to come from failure to a new path is critical. Our first path is rarely the best path. #BizChatsStephen ZakurA5. Own your mistakes. Apologize where apologies are due. Be humble, and people will want to help you. #BizChatsMarianne Williamson@mashbusiness Q5. A1) Always try to see the silver lining from any cloud. This requires a complete 180° rethink on one's failures.motebang senaoana@mashbusiness A5. Take time to figure out why something was negative in the first place. Adjust your attitude. #BizChatsAngela BrownQuestion 6:Q6. What are some fun challenges to help yourself grow professional and push past fear? #BizChatsMashable BusinessA6. I don’t know about fun, but definitely necessary: MEDITATE. #BizChatsMarianne WilliamsonQ5A6. Your internal perception is critical to creating the positive in business or in life in general. Half full - Half empty? #BizChatsMotivational SpeakerQ6A1. Do things that you have never done before professionally. Learn from those who are leaders in your field. #BizChatsMotivational SpeakerQ6A1: Certain exercises I have tried include practicing positive affirmations. #bizchatsChelsea KrostQ6A2: Push yourself physically to mentally feel strong, sign up for a marathon, a mud run, a boxing class, sweat it out! #bizchatsChelsea KrostQ6A3. As a convicted felon I am often asked, “What must I do to find success after making a serious mistake?” Part one #BizChatsMotivational SpeakerA6: Fun challenges to push past fear? Fearful of public speaking so I joined a public speaking club. Courage is a muscle. #BizChatsAnis Qizilbash@mashbusiness A6. Start to practice: Your ego is not your amigo. #BizChatsBarbara DiGangi@mashbusiness A6. Listen, take notes, speak up and share your ideas. Don't be afraid to take risks. Celebrate accomplishments! #BizChatsSamina SultanaQ6A3: Try not using your phone/computer for entire day. Its amazing what comes in when your mind is present & unplugged from tech. #bizchatsChelsea KrostA6)"To Achieve milestones You've Never done before,You have to take Initiatives that you've Never Taken Before" Take a Leap. #BizChatsM£RCCORPQ6A4: Networking events/mixers are a great social challenge to immerse yourself in, step outside comfort zone, & have fun doing! #bizchatsChelsea KrostA6. Daily devote your work to Love’s purposes. Where there's love there can't be fear, as where there's light there can't be dark.#BizChatsMarianne WilliamsonA6: Grow your knowledge base by participating in other activities outside of work. Refresh your mind and expand your strengths. #bizchatsAnnaliese HenwoodA6 Do something uncomfortable every week - for me it was finally doing a live video chat with Twitter connections. #BizChatsJoynicole MartinezA6. Stay on top of your game by doing research, reminding yourself of your strengths #BizChats https://t.co/6jblDWSzkCC.Jolie@mashbusiness get uncomfortable. Play "ice-breaker". You have 2 options. 1) converse with strangers or 2) public push-ups. #bizchatsChristian van VlietA6. Remember great opportunities come from out of the blue. Always be alert to chances to rise to the occasion, to do/be your best.#BizChatsMarianne WilliamsonQuestion 7:Q7. What are common mistakes people should avoid as they experience failure? #BizChatsMashable BusinessQ7A1: People get to consumed by the thought of failure it blocks them from having their next breakthrough! #bizchatsChelsea KrostA7. Blaming others for their failures. #BizChatsMarianne WilliamsonQ7A1. Assuming that they are defined by what is currently happening. Learn from failure and move ahead. #BizChatsMotivational SpeakerA7 Avoid taking everything personally & be willing to seek guidance instead of pretending that u know it all @mashbusiness #BizChatsKristin A. Meekhof@mashbusiness Q7A7 - Giving up. Biggest mistake. Keep going. Never give up #BizChatsLittle Miss BoeddhaA7. Rushing through grief. Only deep reflection produces deep understanding. Take as long as you need to process what happened. #BizChatsMarianne Williamson@mashbusiness giving up. Direction is more important than speed. It's natural to hit speed bumps. #BizChats https://t.co/wqP9KaUhXJChristian van VlietA7: Questioning your every move going forward. hard to move ahead if u lost your confidence. #BizChatsKaren LitzyA7. Common mistakes to avoid as they experience failure? Dwelling too much in the past / focus on the failure. #BizChatsAnis QizilbashQ7 Avoid hunkering down in your bunker. Hiding (or hiding something) only makes the reveal worse and the solution elusive. #BizChatsStephen ZakurA7. Rushing through grief. Only deep reflection produces deep understanding. Take as long as you need to process what happened. #BizChatsMarianne WilliamsonA7: Being risk adverse is risky too! Don't sweat the small stuff! https://t.co/UORv4ZNcYP #BizChats https://t.co/viXGWfQuXOThe UPS StoreA7. Not looking deeply at what happened, in order to understand and change things moving forward. #BizChatsMarianne WilliamsonA7. Not looking deeply at what happened, in order to understand and change things moving forward. #BizChatsMarianne WilliamsonA7. Not looking deeply at what happened, in order to understand and change things moving forward. #BizChatsMarianne WilliamsonA6. Stay on top of your game by doing research, reminding yourself of your strengths #BizChats https://t.co/6jblDWSzkCC.JolieQuestion 8:Q8. What final tips do you have to help professionals fail forward? #BizChatsMashable BusinessA8. Lighten up; failure happens to most everybody at some point, even those who end up having the biggest successes. #BizChatsMarianne WilliamsonA6) Network with as many professionals in your industry as possible. Surround yourself with individuals who challenge you #bizchatsGary TaylorQ8A1. I have failed often. From that failure has come success beyond my wildest imagination. Stay Focus on Your dreams. #BizChatsMotivational SpeakerA5) Avoid dwelling on the mistake. Analyze, assess, and move forward. #BizChatsGary TaylorA7. Anything can be a platform for meaning and purpose #BizChatsLolly DaskalTo all professionals: Live so that everything you do matters. @mashbusiness: #BizChatsLolly DaskalA8. Failure & success are ideas given to us by others. Channel ur energy on being creative & having fun. Only that matters! #BizChatsChandresh BhardwajA8 Know you're not alone. Failure is a part of the journey we are all on. Look around. Find examples for inspiration and go on. #BizChatsJoynicole MartinezA8. Fail often and fail fast, but always apply what you've learnt. #BizChatsthecorporatesisterQ8 Be open and honest with yourself and others about what just happened. What you've learned. Denial has derailed many careers. #BizChatsStephen ZakurA8. Take time to reflect on your business. Carve quiet time out to help you figure out what works / doesn't work #BizChatsJim PeacockA8. Where there's love, miracles occur automatically. If failure expanded your ability to love, it will lead to bigger success. #BizChatsMarianne WilliamsonA8. Don't stop taking risks. The attitude of risk differentiates you from all others! #BizChatsChandresh BhardwajA8: Seek support when you're overwhelmed or feel like you're stuck. People want to help other people - it's human instinct. #bizchatsAnnaliese HenwoodA8. If failure humbled you, then it’s ultimately a good thing. It will teach you to let more love in. #BizChatsMarianne WilliamsonNo one can produce great things who is not thoroughly sincere in dealing with failure @mashbusiness: #BizChatsLolly DaskalA8. Even if you failed, if you handle the failure well then people will respect you for having tried. #BizChatsMarianne WilliamsonClosing Comments: @mashbusiness Thank YOU!! Had a blast:) Hope to join you again!! #BizChatsChelsea Krost@mashbusiness thank you and everyone for giving your input and advice - Twitter chats are fun, and this was helpful too! #bizchatsAnnaliese Henwood@mashbusiness My first #BizChats. Thanks for hosting. Awesome discussion and community.Stephen ZakurThere are some supremely intelligent people sharing wisdom in #BizChats today. Whew!Joynicole Martinez@mashbusiness thank u for the great Twitter chat! So happy I was able to get in on it! #BizChatsKaren LitzyThis #BizChats are so good and empowering! Thought you'd like to read some @jmbastardo https://t.co/jIDkdhfM6PGaby Sanchez@mashbusiness Stay curious & well-informed, find positive counterparts and encourage each other on the pathway to success! #BizChatsThe Boss.@mashbusiness another great chat and an important topic. Thanks. Until next time. #BizChatsSamina SultanaIt was such a joy ride & honor! Thank you @mashbusiness for having me! Hugs! https://t.co/NSSUd8EsS6Chandresh BhardwajThank you @mashbusiness for a fantastic #BizChats today!HotSchedulesRCTIt's always my pleasure, @mashbusiness #BizChats is high on my Wednesday must-do list! https://t.co/mTr74tu0cWJoynicole MartinezMashable

Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.

Tracey Edouard

Tracey Edouard is a Social Media Assistant for Mashable, with a primary focus on daily content optimization for Mashable Business & Startups on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. Since the start of her internship in September 2014, Tracey has created and managed the first-ever #BizChats Twitter chat, a new series which highlights various topics surrounding business. She's a Long Island native and a proud graduate of The Pennsylvania State University (May 2013).