The Privilege of Failure

A narrative exploring the complex emotional journey of striving for excellence in the workplace, and how past achievements and validation can provide resilience against self-doubt and failure.

Wecs Labs Team

Jun 6, 2025

•

Jun 6, 2025

•

4 mins read

The nature of failure is often misunderstood. Many of us instinctively fear it, trying to outrun it with productivity and relentless effort. Yet, intriguingly, failure is something we must earn through the tireless pursuit of excellence. This paradoxical prize emerges after countless late nights and moments of self-doubt, granting us the right to falter and reminding us that we truly belong, no matter the setbacks.

In a meaningful career, there will inevitably come a time when shadows creep in, when exhaustion and the weight of expectations feel overwhelming, and you wonder if your best days are behind you. I’ve stood on that precipice, haunted by the suspicion that the success I’ve seen is merely a facade. It’s a lonely place, filled with guilt and the chronic sense that your heart’s efforts haven’t been recognized as they should be.

Excellence is not a sprint; it isn’t reserved for moments when recognition is assured. The true essence of excellence lies in the mundane routine, the consistent investment of effort, day in and day out. This discipline, over time, becomes a shield. It is in this repetitive act of giving more than seems necessary that we cultivate a profound sense of self-respect. Each completed task deposits into an invisible vault, compounding over the years to fortify against inevitable storms.

I recall times of deep despondency at work, moments when quitting felt like the only option. On one such occasion, I reached out to a friend, poised to give up. She, along with others, redirected my focus to my history, to the commitment and toil that had been witnessed and valued, if overlooked momentarily. It’s these memories of past efforts and the accolades of friends and colleagues that throw lifelines backward, offering solace when we're drowning in self-doubt.

Yet, the battle most fought is internal. Public affirmation is unpredictable, whereas self-doubt is a faithful companion. The only consistent remedy for this inner critic is the knowledge of your own history, the moments of perseverance and impact that challenge the negative voices. This is what earning the privilege of failure means: enduring criticism without defeat, not because you are flawless but because you’ve built a resilient foundation of competence.

The world of work is relentless. It demands your energy, sometimes exploiting excellence under the guise of ambition, teaching that rest is as crucial as diligence. The persistent challenge lies in defining clear boundaries and recognizing that while work is important, it is not the entirety of life.

I continue to grapple with my own ambitions and the relentless need for validation. However, I understand the essence of the game; I’ve played it well enough to occasionally fail without losing myself entirely. The privilege of failure is not an excuse for complacency but rather the freedom to weigh our setbacks against our successes, to continue despite the silence of applause, and to find fulfillment in the simple truth that we tried. Sometimes, in life's grand tapestry, that effort alone makes all the difference.