Learn to fail

I think this is something very important and not taught enough in Singapore. Which is - How to fail!

No one is allowed to fail in our society! We are taught from a young age that if you fail in your studies, you will be a failure for the rest of your life! That you will never get good jobs, nice salaries... and ultimately, never enjoy a 'good life' - whatever that means.

Even the education system is such that you will be streamed away from failing. So for example, if you are no good with a particular science subject, never mind if you were good at a different science subject, most likely you'd be streamed into a class which offers you neither! There, no chance for failing!

And so, you learn not to take any chances, so long as there is a possibility that you might fail.

I did a very silly thing yesterday. Basically, what I did was to sent an invite to the whole entire population of staff based in Singapore - about 350 people and asked them to attend a presentation rehearsal. My Boss basically said, "F**K! THAT'S STUPID!!!"

Well well well... what do you do?

A. Call the Boss STUPID back
B. Cry
C. Admit that you have been STUPID
D. Argue
E. Quit

I chose C.

Anyway, I was thinking then how good it is to be able to crash down onto earth every once in a while. More importantly, how good it is to be able to walk away from the crash and just move on.

I'm not saying I'm a better failure here or being AH-Q about this but in these times, there are bound to be events that happen beyond your control, like losing your job.

And when you do lose a job - please don't hang around the crash site. Please pick yourself up and move on. Same with relationships, same with school, same with every aspect of life. Pick yourself up. Move on.

It's ok to FAIL!

Just remember never to define yourself by it.