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Mortenson describes his failure as not reaching the top of K2, however this was probably his greatest success. He was able to achieve so much more because he did not reach the top. Attempting to climb K2 was a difficult task in itself. There were many things that stood in his way, many obstacles he had to overcome, however, it was all these obstacles that made his journey more worthwhile. Mortenson’s failure only allowed him to achieve new goals and reach new heights. He may not have climbed to the top, but by “failing” he came to realize what he wanted, his path in life was greater than he ever imagined. Any failure in life can always be seen as an obstacle that must be overcome to achieve greatness. By switching his focus from a “failure” because he did not reach the top, to setting new goals he was able to move on and conquer bigger obstacles. I think we should all look to Mortenson’s example when we are faced with difficult times in our life, to turn it around, walk a different path and realize we are meant for so much more.
“ It is on our failures that we base a new and different and better success.”
– Havelock Ellis
Have you ever been in a situation to turn the failure into a success? Share your story by leaving a response below.
I think that people can turn failure into success whenever they try something new. It may not be as major as building schools after not completing a goal to climb K2. But, it could be as simple as falling off a bike and going back on it when learning how to ride. Being able to use and learn from any mistakes or failures just makes future success feel so much better when it is finally achieved. Or, in Greg Mortenson’s case, those successes can sometimes be found in other, sometimes unknown, places.
Sometimes failure is the best learning tool for success because it makes us more conscious of original mistakes that were made. It allows us to focus positively during the second trial and avoid missteps that were made during the first. Most of all, failure strengthens our will, our determination, and our belief in ourselves, for it teaches us how to persevere, how to use our pasts to better our futures.
I think everyone can turn “failure” into something positive if we simply look at it with a new perspective. Many times, not achieving our goals may reveal something in us that we may not know - whether it’s a new talent, a new love, or a new ambition.
We just have to open our eyes.