The Joy of Failing and Why I Hope More Women Do It

I recently watched a video that talked about how failure affects women so deeply that many become afraid to try new things. It struck a chord—not because I fear failure, but because I wish more women knew the joy of failing, the thrill of trying, and the power of succeeding.

The video compared reactions to two rodeo riders. A man gets bucked off a horse, and the comments are encouraging—“You’ll get it next time.” Then a woman gets bucked off, and the comments number in the thousands—and most aren’t kind. It was a small example, but it made me think about how fear and judgment shape what women allow themselves to do.

Years ago, I was working at a restaurant when the opportunity to buy a consignment store came up. I thought it sounded like a blast. I’d get to learn something new, meet great people, and be my own boss. I was telling one of my regulars about it, and she looked absolutely terrified for me.

When I asked why, she said, “Aren’t you afraid?”

That question blew my mind. Afraid of what?
“Failing,” she said.

I laughed and told her, “I’m great at failing—I’m not worried about that at all.”

But later, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. Why was fear her first reaction? Why wasn’t she excited for me? Why plant a seed of doubt in something that made me so happy?

I decided to move forward anyway. And yes, I failed miserably. I kept it going for a little while, then chalked it up to another learning experience. I learned I’m not meant to run a consignment store—but I am meant to keep trying new things.

My husband and I often make decisions based on one question: “Does this sound like fun?” If it challenges us or helps us learn something new, we go for it. Over the years, we’ve learned plenty of things we’re “not good at,” but I can’t imagine not trying.

Our goal is simple: to reach the finish line with no regrets. To be kind, to stay curious, to share our adventures—and to look back one day and say, “What a ride.”

So to every woman who’s ever had a seed of fear planted in her, rip that sucker out of the ground, toss it over your shoulder, and step boldly into your next adventure. Failure doesn’t define you. It refines you. It’s just one path that didn’t pan out and there’s always another fork in the road.

Here’s to the women who try, who fail spectacularly, who get up and go again. That’s where the real growth lives.