When we hear the word failure, it tends to make us uncomfortable. We think of someone missing the game winning shot, coming in 5th place or getting picked last in gym class.

Failure is a word that carries a negative connotation because we’re taught that failure isn’t an option. If you’re planning to succeed at anything, it’s time that you get comfortable with the idea of failing.

2 things I learned about failure as an entrepreneur ambitious human being:

1. Failure is inevitable

I’ve learned that being an entrepreneur is learning experience. A lot of what you do is trial and error… And there will be errors. Knowing that failing is inevitable allows you to plan. Yes, plan to fail. If you plan to fail, you’re prepared for a backup plan. Don’t find yourself in a vulnerable situation because you were naïve enough to think mistakes wouldn’t be made. We’re human. Mistakes happen. Failure happens. Just be prepared when it does.

2. Failure is necessary 

Think about something you’ve failed at. What was the absolute worst thing that resulted from that situation? Was there any positive outcome at all? The thing about failure is sometimes you don’t know the benefit of it as soon as it occurs. Failure is something that’s necessary for our growth and necessary to help us get rid of things that aren’t meant for us.

Being a failure has helped me become a better businesswoman. I know what my clients need, want and expect from me. I’m able to give the best possible experiences because I was successful in giving the worst possible experiences. I have failed therefore I succeed.

Failure is inevitable. It’s how the failures are dealt with that really make a difference.

Failure is necessary. Entrepreneurship is all about risks. If you haven’t failed at anything, you haven’t taken any risks.

The difference between us and “those other guys” is how we look at failure.

[Tweet “You can see failure as a painful experience or as an origin of opportunity.”]

I choose the latter.