Failing Forward
“Failing forward" – We have all heard the term. We have all experienced failure, but we do not always “Fail Forward”. Sometimes, we allow ourselves to simply fail. The great thing is, failure is not fatal.
Failing Forward is a shift in mindset that helps us embrace the importance of turning failures, both large and small, into opportunities for learning and growth. Instead of viewing failure as a negative outcome, the Fail Forward mindset encourages us all to see it as a stepping stone toward achieving success. By embracing occasional failures, we acknowledge that setbacks are an inevitable, and important part of our mortgage journey, and they provide valuable lessons for us to improve our attitude, skills, knowledge, and mental toughness (anyone read Fanatical Prospecting recently? Read Today with the August Book Club, sign up here: Book Club Sign Up|Fanatical Prospecting).
When we think of our personal development, failing forward promotes having a positive attitude, rather than dwelling on the failure and the “why is this happening to me” mindset. When we encounter failures, we have the chance to learn from our mistakes, identify areas for improvement, and refine our strategies. This ongoing process allows us to evolve, grow, and enhance our skills and knowledge. It also helps build mental strength, as we become unafraid of failure and are more likely to take on new risks and pursue ambitious goals.
Innovation and creativity also benefit from failing forward. In the mortgage business, many groundbreaking ideas and processes have resulted from a series of failures. Thomas Edison, for instance, famously said, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." This perspective exemplifies the idea of failing forward - viewing each failure as a valuable step toward eventual success. We can call on 100 referral prospects and not get one new true partner. Is that failing 100 times, or finding 100 referral partners that just aren’t ready for us yet?
As a company, developing and rewarding a culture that embraces failing forward can lead to greater innovation and adaptability. When employees and leaders feel safe to share, experiment and take risks, they are more likely to propose new ideas and approaches to business in an ever changing market. A failure-tolerant environment encourages continuous learning and experimentation, enabling us to stay competitive in rapidly changing markets. I think Fairway Mortgage embodies a company that embraces the ability for its employees and leadership to fail forward.
Failing Forward, if used properly, can be a very powerful mindset that will help transform the way we perceive and respond to the inevitable failures we will face – and we will face them. By understanding that failures are an inherent part of anyone’s progress, we can leverage our failures to become better versions of ourselves, develop new scripts, new process, and achieve greater success in both personal and professional journeys.
Go forth, fail forward, and do it often…
Written by Brian Cantrall
Brian Cantrall has been in the mortgage business since 1995. In that time, he has been: a Coach, a Regional Manager, an Area Manager, a Branch Manager, a Sales Manager, and a Top Producer for 15 of those years. As a producer, Brian has originated over $500,000,000 in loans. Since joining Fairway in 2019, Brian has focused on being a Coach with Fairway Ignite. In that time, he has been recognized twice as being one of the best in the group, most recently as MVP of 2022. He continues to find ways to enhance his skills and knowledge regarding Coaching. Brian is married to an amazing wife, a great daughter, and lives in Arizona. Brian was born and raised in Lakewood, Colorado, and is an avid Colorado Avalanche and Denver Broncos fan.
