Feedback Over Failure

Feedback Over Failure

I am in prison. There’s no denying that when it comes to failure in life, it doesn’t get much worse than this. Even as I continue to fight for my innocence against my wrongful incarceration, I can’t escape the reality: my decisions and choices led me here. I take full responsibility for my life and the path I’ve taken, and I own every consequence of those decisions.

But here’s the thing: getting disappointing results—whether it’s failing a test, bombing on a date, or losing out in business—doesn’t mean we are failures. It doesn’t mean we are worthless or that we’re not good enough. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. When we receive feedback, especially the kind we didn’t ask for, we should embrace it. Feedback, no matter how harsh, is a sign that we’re alive, that we’re taking action, that we’re in the game.

The truth is, life will throw both good and bad feedback our way. And believe it or not, it’s the negative feedback we should welcome more. Why? Because it’s a sign we’re trying something. We’re out there, taking risks, pushing boundaries. If you’re sitting on the sidelines, doing nothing, guess what? You’ll get no feedback, but you can still be a failure. Achieving nothing with the gift of life—now that’s the real tragedy!

So, get out there. Do something. Make an impact. Put a dent in the universe. And when you stumble, when things go wrong, remember this: failure is only real if you give up. It’s only failure if you let it define you. Instead, see it for what it is—negative feedback. A signal that something didn’t work, but that you have the power to change, to fix, to make better.

The vast majority of problems in life are solvable. The question is, are you willing to solve them? Do you truly believe in that relationship, that business, that goal? If you do, then keep going. Keep fighting. Never give up. I’ll go one step further and say that failure doesn’t actually exist. Nobody truly fails—they quit. They give up. Anything you want in life is within reach, as long as you never stop reaching for it.

But don’t misunderstand me—it’s not always easy. Sometimes it’s a grueling, relentless grind. You have to want it so badly that you’ll push through any obstacle. But that’s where the magic happens. The most remarkable people I’ve ever known are those who knew exactly what they wanted and pursued it with unwavering determination. They are rare, they are beautiful, and they are the ones who change the world.

So choose feedback over failure, every single time. Refuse to let setbacks stop you. Keep moving forward, keep learning, and keep growing. Because in the end, it’s not about how many times you fall—it’s about how many times you get back up and keep fighting.