I recently read Richard Koch’s Unreasonable Success: and how to achieve it which was an okay read, a little preachy at times but there were a few key ideas I took away, one of them being to seek out setbacks.
A setback is often our worst fear in life. It is usually a reason we don’t try new things, put our hand up in class or go out on a limb. Koch argues that setbacks are crucial to being successful, as long as you learn from our mistakes. Picture this, we’re working incredibly hard on a project for a year, convinced it’s going to be a great success, but when it comes to presentation day, it’s a flop. Most see this as the end of the world, becoming embarrassed and upset. This might just be the best scenario possible.
A common proposition is that we shouldn’t view setbacks as the end, rather a redirection. Setbacks give us an idea of what doesn’t work, it may be that our great idea really wasn’t that great and we should pivot on a new path, which may eventually lead to our truly great idea.
Another reason Koch argues setbacks can make us great is that they can validate unconventional views. “If you follow the heard, you are unremarkable. If you are controversial, you are noticed.” This was a great line and validates why setbacks are crucial. If we don’t stick out foot out and take a risk, we will never fail. Similarly, if we dont stick our foot out, we will never be great.
Furthermore, the simple act of repeated setbacks builds resilience, it makes us more likely to take bigger risks in the future. With bigger risks come bigger rewards, and eventually, with enough persistence, you will break through.
It may be controversial but I don’t see constant success as a good thing. I feel as though if we continue from strength to strength we aren’t taking enough risks, therefore, may not be reaching our potential. I have repeatedly said on here that I don’t take enough risks, I know this because I haven’t had many failures, and I want them.
Harrison Hansford 