Failure's Power: Hamre-Kebby on Growth Mindset

Fana GolfKlubb Course Manager Ben Hamre-Kebby shares his insights on the power of failure.

In today’s turf industry, the pressure to succeed can be overwhelming. As a result, many of us develop a deep-seated aversion to failure.

But what if failure is not the end of the road but a detour leading us to unexpected opportunities? What if it is not a reflection of our abilities but part of the learning process? Research suggests those who embrace failure as a learning experience tend to be more resilient, creative and successful.

A key factor that determines how we respond to failure is our mindset. Individuals with a fixed mindset believe their abilities and intelligence are fixed traits and that failure reflects their limitations. However, those with a growth mindset see failure as an opportunity to learn and improve.

 

The concept of a growth mindset has been popularised by psychologist Carol Dweck, whose groundbreaking research has shown that our beliefs about intelligence and ability have a profound impact on our motivation, resilience and, ultimately, our success. By cultivating a growth mindset, we can reframe our relationship with failure and unlock our full potential.

Embracing failure, however, is not just about having the right mindset, it’s also about developing resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. So how can we harness the power of failure? Reframe it as a learning experience. Instead of seeing it as a reflection of your own worth, see it as a chance to learn. Ask yourself: What caused this failure? How can I improve to mitigate similar future failures? How can I learn from this experience?

Embrace failures as opportunities for growth. Remember that success does not come from avoiding failure but rather the understanding and acceptance that without failure, there will be no success. The power of failure lies not in avoiding it, but in embracing it as a natural and inevitable part of success.