When was the last time you failed at something? Maybe you tried making a new recipe and it didn’t turn out the way you thought it should. Maybe you started a new exercise routine and struggled to make it a habit? Or, maybe a conversation you had with someone didn’t land the way you wanted it to, and you needed to repair, in order to reconnect. All we can do is learn from these experiences and try again, right?

I started a new role within my organization a little over a year ago and I struggled. I needed to learn the products as quickly as possible so I could add value to conversations and projects. It is a huge lesson in perseverance and humility to just keep showing up, even when you feel like an imposter. There were many times I would sit in meetings and barely follow what was happening around me. As someone who REALLY likes to be helpful, I was so uncomfortable. I could not offer to assist, if I didn’t know what was needed. That still didn’t stop me, and I would try and then what I created wouldn’t go anywhere because I didn’t understand the politics or history. I would fail, and then learn why it failed and patient people would help me understand what was needed. Thankfully, with time, I am feeling more confident in my ability to help projects across the finish line.

In an early conversation with my new manager, she told me that fail just meant, first attempt in learning. I appreciated her compassion and empathy to meet me in my foxhole of self-doubt. I am finding it easier to say, “I need more information,” or “Please help me understand that more.” Most people are happy to take a moment to provide more details when they know your intentions come from a helpful place.

I am wishing you a ton of success in your failing. I am looking forward to asking others about their epic failure stories and lightening our hearts with laughter. Being human is messy and hard, but it is such a wonderful ride.