In today’s lesson, we’re focusing on a key ingredient in the recipe for success: failing forward and finding the right support to keep us going when challenges arise.
Picture this: you’re facing a huge obstacle, something that seems impossible to overcome. You give it your all, but things don’t go as planned. At that moment, it’s easy to feel alone or think, “I can’t do this.” But when you’ve got the right people by your side—friends, family, coaches—you’re never truly alone. Surrounding ourselves with those who believe in us can make all the difference.
Learning from Legends: Leaning on Support
History is full of stories about people who faced countless setbacks but found the strength to keep going, thanks in large part to those around them. Take Thomas Edison, for example. He failed over 1,000 times before inventing the light bulb. Can you imagine the frustration? But Edison had people who believed in him and encouraged him, reminding him to keep going. He famously said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” That kind of resilience is the essence of failing forward, and it’s made possible by leaning on supportive people along the way.
Or think about J.K. Rowling, who faced numerous rejections before finally finding success with Harry Potter. At a time when she felt defeated, she had friends who believed in her, a daughter who inspired her, and a vision she wasn’t ready to abandon. Their love and support gave her the push to keep trying, even when things looked bleak.
Then there’s Michael Jordan, who didn’t make his high school basketball team. Many might have given up, but he had a strong supporter in his mom. She encouraged him to keep pushing and told him that his journey didn’t end there. Jordan’s resilience and determination were fueled by her belief in him, and he went on to become one of the greatest basketball players in history.
When you’re facing tough times, who do you turn to? Maybe it’s your parents, who remind you of your strengths. Maybe it’s your friends, who celebrate your wins and lift you up when things don’t go as planned. Or perhaps it’s your coaches, who push you to do better, reminding you that every failure is part of the journey to greatness.
As we step onto the training floor this week, let’s take a moment to think about the people who have our backs. Not everyone will see our vision or share our dreams—and that’s okay. The key is to surround ourselves with those who lift us up, who believe in us even when we stumble, and who help us push past our doubts.
Failing Forward Together
Failure isn’t something we have to face alone. With the right people around us, every setback becomes a stepping stone, every fall an opportunity to rise stronger. So let’s train hard, learn from every mistake, and show those who support us that we are unstoppable. With every push forward, we’re not only making ourselves proud—we’re making them proud too.
Are you ready to fail forward, together? Let’s show the world what we’re made of and train with the spirit that champions are built on.