Let's Make 2023 a Year of Failure

Are you looking for success for your grandkids in 2023? If so, stop reading now.

As we begin a new year, we typically contemplate the changes or enhancements we want to focus on in our upcoming year. You and I probably already have our "to do's or "to change" list ready. The typical list begins with; losing weight, exercising more, saving money, spending more time with family and friends…

I am not saying that these aspirations shouldn't be thought about…for you and me. For your grandkids, however, I believe the resolution for 2023 we should support for them is failure. Yes, failure. Most kids are afraid to fail, and of course we want them to succeed. What if we recognized that failure is good and an essential step in their development? When kids fail, amazing things can happen for them (and for us).

You might be asking…why?

Why? Because it appears that our grandkids are growing up with fewer challenges, obstacles, and worries. They are in a safer setting than ever before. Now you may be thinking about the horrific drive-by shootings, the dangers of the streets, the human trafficking, and all the other safety issues that keep adults up at night. Yes, they are very real and should be addressed. Instead, what I am referring to is the fundamentals. You know, Maslow's Hierarchy of needs theory. No, this isn't an academic discussion but rather wanted to say that most of our grandkids are not wanting for food…ever, have a roof over their heads, more clothes than most 3rd world countries, and probably have the internet at their fingertips.

Surrounded by this safety net allows them, more than any other generation, a chance to try new things, early and often…and to fail. Let's help them on this journey.

So, how do they fail? It starts with thinking about what they want to do or try that they have never done before. Love sports? Try a sport that is not a mainstream activity…how about dressage? Love to read. Write a book.

Not all the challenges have to be a big "C"; a little "c" challenge can start the thought process. How about a blindfold challenge? Trying an activity without the use of your eyes. Maybe have your little ones try to draw a picture without seeing the paper or accomplish something new in seven seconds. The seven-second challenge can include the following:

· Sing the letters of the alphabet backward

· What is the number before 1 trillion?

· Name five foods that end with the letter 'y'

How can we support them in this endeavor?

Celebrate failure! Yep, here are a few ideas on how to support them

·   Allow them to brag about their failure.

·   Maybe have a "Failure Friday" where all failures are heard.

·   Failing forward is a business concept that fits here perfectly. What this means is learning from your errors. Ask questions like, "What did you learn from this? or "What would you do differently next time?" Shift focus on the positive aspects of failure.

Anything worth doing is difficult, and failure is part of the process. Think about your biggest mistakes. They probably taught you more courage, strength, and wisdom than any success could have. Instead of letting kids fear failure, we can help them see it as a learning opportunity.

So, join me on this journey of failure in 2023. Let us know what you decide to do. We would love to hear your failure stories.