Tim on the verge of DNF (failure) at Pine to Palm 100
Everyone has experience with failure at some level. What impact or meaning does it have for us? Do we fear it irrationally? How can we leverage failure to increase success in our ultrarunning, other sports, and life in general?
Also, hear about yo-yos and motorcycles…
Hope you enjoy this fun show!
Download .mp3 file here: https://elevationtrail.files.wordpress.com/2014/03/failure-in-ultrarunning.mp3
Research has repeatedly shown that people have more of an aversion to negative consequences than an attraction to benefits, aka most of us are risk-averse.
Dale, I’m afraid you’re correct. Too many people shying away from taking the risks necessary to lead a fulfilling and successful life. Failure is the single most valuable learning lesson one can encounter. I think the fact that failure stings the soul helps drive home the lesson of “hey, I made some mistakes.” Success is usually measured when one picks himself or herself up from the ground of failure, brushes himself or herself off and sets the tasks to correct those mistakes. That is how success is made.
Great podcast. Seemed appropriate at Barkley time. Like Laz says, it’s not really a challenge if there’s not a good chance of failure.