On the road to success, failure isn’t just an option—it’s a necessity, according to psychologists and career counselors Ryan Babineaux and John Krumboltz. The authors aren’t advocating that you purposefully set out to fail. Instead, they’re encouraging you to stop worrying about the possibility. Rather than fretting about making mistakes, they write, you should revamp your definition of failure. For example, think of missteps as “learning opportunities or market research or [as openings] to expand your options.”
In addition to reinforcing the upside of small downfalls, the authors have compiled an impressive toolbox of simple strategies to circumvent what they call “fear paralysis.” Along with revising how you view failure, allow yourself the luxury of learning as you try new things (“be a beginner, not an expert”), appreciate unexpected experiences and always celebrate small wins. Anecdotes, handy reminders, lists of tips and tactics, and informational boxes make Fail Fast, Fail Often
by Ryan Babineaux, Ph.D., and John Krumboltz, Ph.D.
January
Tarcher/Penguin; $15.95
