We've often heard about the power of visualization and how if we dream of something, we need to visualize that dream as reality. If we are aiming to achieve this particular lofty goal, we need to visualize ourselves to have achieved that goal. With these thoughts ingrained in our minds, the title of this post must have taken you aback, and you are probably thinking - why is she talking about a word that one must avoid like the plague if one wants to succeed?!
I was given the opportunity to attend "The Art of Leadership"conference earlier this week and the main speaker was - yes, you guessed it right - Chris Hadfield, the first Canadian to walk in space! I have heard such great things about him from articles I've read and from colleagues, and I was very eager to hear him and meet him! I left the conference with tons of notes, but one reverberated in my mind - visualize failure.
Why? Why should we visualize failure? It is already a tough job to ensure success, why should we even allow ourselves to think about failing?
Here's why:
First, thinking about failure will show you the different ways that could lead you to it, and the earlier you have identified the ways that you could fail, the more time you'll have to prepare and be able to divert things. You'll have more chances to go inside your imaginary "flight simulator" and practice how you'll avoid those triggers of failure.
Second, thinking about failure nudges you into acknowledging that you are not invincible. You are human. You are one tiny speck in this universe. Failure is always an option, and this thought will make you plan what you will do if in case you do fail.
Visualize failure?? Yes....definitely....because it will help you succeed.
Thank you Astronaut Chris Hadfield!
