"I have not failed. I have just found 10,000 ways that won't work." --Thomas Edison

"Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly." --Robert F. Kennedy

"Failures are finger posts on the road to achievement" --C.S. Lewis 

These are just a few examples of what comes up if you search "quotes about failure." Of course, there are hundreds more just like them, and they all have something in common aside from the topic of failure: none of them carry a negative tone. Instead, they talk about failure as something positive, a necessary step in the journey to success, and these are the words we choose to remember despite how discouraging failure can be.

While these quotes are inspiring and encouraging, failure in everyday life can feel quite different. It's scary, discouraging, and potentially embarrassing! So why are there so many positive-sounding quotes about it? Because the quotes above are all accurate! Fear of failure can be paralyzing, but making a mistake doesn't have to be the end of the story. Embarrassment doesn't last forever, and the lessons you can learn from missteps can help lead you to success.

Of course, living without fear of failure is easier said than done. You can learn to overcome that fear by finding a space where it is safe to fail. Find a hobby that won't cause any problems if you mess up, try new things with safe people, and remind yourself that beauty can always come from ashes.