In life, and especially in entrepreneurship, failure is unavoidable, and there is no denying that it can hurt. Fortunately, the sting of failure doesn’t signify the end; rather, it marks the beginning of a new learning curve.

The Inevitability of Failure

Failure is a universal experience. It doesn’t discriminate by age, experience, or ambition. That’s why exposing students to failure is so strongly focused on in EntrepreNew Pathways. Students of the program are encouraged to engage in open discussions about their failures, both with their peers and mentors.

Here are three examples of questions and activities that help students explore failure as part of their EntrepreNew Pathways experience.

1. What can I do to learn from my inevitable failures?

This question prompts students to think critically about their experiences and view failure through a constructive lens. It teaches them to fail “up” – that is, to use their setbacks as a launchpad for growth. This mindset shift is vital for budding entrepreneurs, who will face numerous challenges on their journey.

2. When Does Failure Stop?

Another question students delve into is, “When does failure stop?” This encourages students to understand that failure is not a permanent state but a momentary lapse in a continuum of efforts. The goal is not to eliminate failure but to minimize its impact and learn from it effectively.

3. Find the Failure!

Rather than a single question, this activity challenges students to list 25 examples of failures, drawing from personal experiences or the experiences of others, such as friends, family, mentors, celebrities, or even historical figures. The purpose is to show that failure is a common thread in everyone’s story but doesn’t define the end.

The conversations that come from examining these questions and activities are eye-opening and pivotal. They help students understand that failing is not a mark of defeat but a stepping stone to greater understanding and resilience.

Failure as a Learning Tool

By fostering a mindset that doesn’t shy away from failure, students are better prepared for the real challenges of entrepreneurship – and life. They can see failure as a part of growth (instead of seeing it as the opposite of success) helping them to become more resilient in the face of those inevitable future obstacles and setbacks.