Innovative Failures
Advice to your younger self, learning from past failures, and achieving unimaginable goals
Technological innovations have propelled the world forward in a multitude of ways, so naturally the most under discussed subject of new technology is innovative failures.
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Likewise, in our own lives, fear of failure often deters us from striving towards unimaginable, distant, far fetched goals. It makes sense. Pursuing daunting goals make us vulnerable and there is always a great deal of uncertainty as to whether the goal will ever be achieved. However, since there is (and will always be) fear regarding our next steps, we should never allow the idea of potential failure stop us from pursuing our goals.
on our best day:
We are at the top of our game. We are full of energy, we got enough sleep the night before, we probably completed a morning workout, all our deadlines are met and we are even a little ahead of schedule, our creative juices are flowing, and for the most part everything is smooth sailing.
on our worst day:
We feel a bit uninspired, slightly overwhelmed, we begin to question everything, and are in desperate need of a nap. It’s in these lower moment that Words of Wisdom from those that have traversed similar paths before us is helpful.
CSE 2021- The Global Stage for Innovation
6 products from corporate giants that flopped because despite our best intention failure can still happen, even to the big guys.
1. Evian Water Bra (2005)
2. Google Glass (2013-2014)
3. Kanoa Wireless Headphones (2015)
4. Nike Fuel Band (2014)
5. Hoverboards (2015)
6. Coda Sedan, Coda Automotive (2012)
Important things to remember
#1. Leaning on others does not make us weak.
#2. We will never be considered a great success to others without being seen as a complete dispointment to a few ( well we might disappointment more than just a few people, but you get my point).
Asking for help is not only a sign of great strength but is quintessential for our advancement, and this is what BRA is all about: learning to lean on the support of other women.
As we live, gain new perspective, and heed to the advice of those who have traversed similar paths before us, clarity and direction will inevitably follow. Suddenly we’ll find ourselves sitted at tables we once only dreamed about, and those faraway goals that overwhelmed our past self soon become the accomplishments that even in our wildest dreams we only hoped we would get the chance to celebrate.
Resources that can help:
Read WITI founder’s article titled 2021 Affirmations. It’s a step by step guide on how to make affirmations you plan on keeping and applying in 2021.
Listen to 22 year old Amanda Gorman’s 2021 inaugural poem titled “The Hill We Climb”
Set up screen time on your phone (under Settings). Using this feature will help you monitor how much time you spend on various apps. This can also be the starting point towards you embarking on an Unplugging Journey .
Upcoming WITI Events:
Turning Adversity into Advantage; Celebrating the New Year while Honoring 2020
Breaking Free from Barriers to Pursue the Life of Your Dreams, join WITI in this two part series.
The Experience of Black Women Who Stay in STEM Professions Long Term
Follow us @womeninternationaltechnologyinternational
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