Why Failure Can Sometimes Be A Good Thing

     The documentary, Race to Nowhere,  takes a look at the high level of stress many high school students are experiencing in reaching maximum success in their education.  One of the most important points made in the film is that achievement is not the same as learning and that sometimes students (and parents), in their quest to be the best they can be at everything, lose interest and the fun in learning for learning's sake.  
     In a recent article in TeachThought, it highlighted 8 reasons why failure can actually be a good thing:  

1.  Failure Causes One to Learn Lessons- studies show that learning is actually  good for the brain and promotes overall good health.
2.  Failure Causes Many to Work Harder-  some of the greatest minds our world has ever known always seem to mention that early failures were the catalyst to push them farther in their studies.
3.  Failure Can Build Empathy- as we gain an appreciation for hard work in ourselves and others.
4.  Failure Can Cause One to Gain A Sense of Humility- it's healthy to keep the ego in check.
5.  You Can Find Out Who Your Friends Are- it helps build a network of trustworthy companions.
6.  Failure Can Open Up the Chance for Simplicity- keeping yourself focused on what is really important to you.
7.  Failure Often Leads to Creativity- helps one look at something a little differently and perhaps spark an innovation.
8.  Failure Can Force One to Learn Flexibility- prevents one from being rigid and unreasonable.

     It's important to re-iterate to our students that succeeding in different aspects of one's life sometimes includes falling down from time to time.  This healthy perspective will help students cope with the pressures that are often put on them.