What do you love failing at?

The answer is a clue to work you find intrinsically rewarding.

May 3, 2023

In between Origin Stories, I will be sharing quotes, articles, or books related to purpose and career, as well as answering reader questions.

What do you love failing at?

“In failing for two weeks at journalism, I knew I loved it.”

Bob Woodward started working at the Washington Post for free. None of the 17 stories he wrote during this time was published:

Excerpt from 'Personal History' by Katharine Graham — Excerpt from ‘Personal History’ by Katharine Graham

I love failing at speaking foreign languages. I enjoy puzzling out what words I already know that might get my message across (as I had to when I was trying to buy barbecue lighter fluid - liquido para encender el carbon - in rural Mexico. Several store clerks looked at me with incomprehension, until one finally said ‘gasolina’. So that’s how they roll.)

I love failing at starting new ventures and mastering new skills. My first attempt at making an Instagram reel yesterday gave me joy far out of proportion to the quality of the outcome.

I love failing at kiteboarding. It was a long learning curve in the freezing waters of Squamish, BC, and yet I knew without a doubt that hours of getting dragged and slammed face first would be worth it. Even though I can now get up and ride, there is always a new skill to learn.

So what do YOU love failing at? Share in the comments…