What is Failure?

     For something to be considered a failure, one must first have a set goal(s) to know if something has failed or not.  For example, lets say that for a project to be considered a success (and complete) goals A, B and C need to all be accomplished. If only A and C were completed, then the project was a failure, because B was not complete.  Failure needs to be used in the right context as well. Lets say a parent and a child make a deal, if the child gets straight A's on his or her report card then the child will get a new computer.  The child brings home a report card with four A's and one B, is that child a failure?

     Failure is interpreted in different ways by different people.  In the simplest form, most would agree that  if a person had a goal to lose 10 pounds in 30-days, but only lost 9, that person failed to meet his or her goal.  What if that person lost 10 pounds in 31-days, is he or she still a failure?  The goal was achieved, but it took one extra day.  In life, as in any project, some goals need to be viewed in that grey area, and not just black and white, to succeed or fail.

     The dictionary definition of failure is:
         1. An act or instance of failing or proving unsuccessful; lack of success.
         2. Nonperformance of something due, required, or expected.

     Hmmm... unsuccessful?  Now we need to determine what is considered successful, which brings us back to setting a goal(s).  That second one definitely sounds like it could be tied to project management. A scope of work will set what is due, required, or expected for a project.

     I believe for something to be a failure it has to be obvious that a set goal was not met. So for a project to not be considered a failure, it is paramount that the goals determining success are realistic, and within the abilities of all involved.  Setting unrealistic goals from the start has a high risk factor of failure. In life there will be failures. Almost all failures are mistakes, and we learn from our mistakes.  The key is to learn from our failures, and not repeat them, so the successes out weigh the failures.