Fail Forward — In Life and Driving
Picture this: a disastrous dance with a stop sign during my driving test. But amidst the disappointment, my father’s words echoed: ‘Failure is not a stop sign; it’s a turning point’.
I’ve done many things late in life. I’m almost always late — not just in timing but also in taking life’s leaps.
Currently, in my 30s, I’m learning to drive, a skill that demands not only knowing how things work but also an intuition that can only be forged through experience.
The early days have been really tough.
The driving test was not only marked by a few missteps but also a tragic dance I made with a stop sign. Needless to say, it didn’t go well.
Facing that test day, I expected nerves, but not the tidal wave of them that actually hit. I had gone four hours out of town to get that timeslot, took sick leave, lost one day of earnings, and it was “15th August”, the Indian Independence Day.
Never ever take your driving test on a day that is so dear to you. The disappointment of failing was palpable.
I shared this setback with my father, seeking solace in his words. He told me something that struck a chord:
Translation: “The initial step towards success is failure; it’s the bedrock. Behind great triumphs lie numerous concealed failures — essentially, a collection of small failures. Without grappling with failure, understanding success remains difficult to grasp. Each failure brings an opportunity for self-revaluation. There is no need to be engulfed in desolation or restlessness. Achieving success through your efforts is a certainty. My blessing.”
His words reminded me that failure isn’t a dead end; it’s a stepping stone. The path to success is paved with the lessons we gather from our mistakes. Every stumble, every setback, is a chance to recalibrate and grow. It’s a reminder that the road to achievement isn’t a straight line, but a series of twists and turns that lead us toward greatness.
Failure is not a stop sign; It’s a turning point!
