In this conversation, we discuss failure, how to avoid it, and how to deal with it when it happens. We explore the Stoic philosophy regarding desire and aversion, embracing failure for personal growth, and strategies for success and resilience.
Failure is an opportunity to practice, develop, and identify weaknesses.
Consider the potential for failure before committing to tasks to set realistic expectations.
Failure of external goals does not define your worth or happiness; focus on cultivating your character instead.
Deep dives
Failure should be seen as an opportunity for growth
Failure is a necessary part of trying and should be embraced as a chance to practice, develop, and identify weaknesses. It is an opportunity to learn from mistakes and make improvements.
Contemplate the possibility of failure beforehand
Before undertaking any task, consider the potential for failure and only commit if you accept this possibility. This helps to set realistic expectations and prepares you to handle failure.
Recognize that failure is often in pursuit of preferred indifference
Failure often occurs in the pursuit of external goals or desires that are not essential to your well-being. Recognize that these failures do not define your worth or happiness.
Shift the focus to internal goals and character development
Redirect your attention and efforts towards cultivating your character and virtues, which are within your control. This provides a more fulfilling and resilient foundation for success.
Embrace failure as an opportunity for improvement
View failure as a chance to practice and reflect on your actions, identify weaknesses, and make positive changes. Failure should be seen as a stepping stone towards personal growth and becoming a better person.
“Must I be wasting my time sitting in a corner when I might have been crowned at Olympia?”
In this conversation, we discuss failure, how to avoid it, and how to deal with it when it happens. We end by revealing personal experiences with failure.
“And what advantage does a wrestler gain from his training partner? The greatest.”
(01:57) Introduction
(10:40) How To Avoid Failure
(21:54) How To Deal With Failure
(27:50) Contemplating Adversity
(34:52) Failure as Practice
(40:06) Failure as Indifferent
(44:46) Free for All
(48:53) Personal Failure
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