How to Build a Mindset That Isn't Afraid of Failure by Leveraging the 'Difference Between Failure and Mistakes'
Hello everyone, it's Yoshi, the Flipper President!
"Let's take on challenges without fear of failure!"
Isn't that a phrase you've heard at least once?
But what about reality? When we try to challenge ourselves with new techniques, we often stop ourselves, thinking, "It's dangerous" or "It's too early." Before an important match, we might advise ourselves, or tell our students or juniors, "Don't push it" or "Let's play it safe."
Have you ever had an experience like that?
As a coach myself, I have worked with many athletes. Having seen athletes of various levels, from World Championship finalists to Paralympic athletes, and from junior representatives to beginners, I have reached one conviction.
That is, we must not confuse "failure" with "mistakes." Encourage "failure" that arises from taking on challenges, and thoroughly prevent "mistakes" caused by lack of preparation. This is the core of coaching that fosters a true spirit of challenge.
Today, I will talk about this "difference between failure and mistakes", which seems similar but is quite different, while incorporating my specific coaching experiences. Please read until the end and try changing your way of thinking just a little bit!
The 'Failure Avoidance' Trap Many Coaches Fall Into
While saying "don't fear failure," it is often the coaches themselves who are hindering the athletes' challenges.
Why is that?
It is because they treat "failure" and "mistakes" as the same thing.
For example, when an athlete tries a new swimming style and their time drops. They make them go back, saying, "The original form was better after all."
When they don't get the desired results in practice. They change to a safer practice menu, saying, "Let's go back to basics and practice."
At first glance, this looks like a rational decision, but in reality, this can stop an athlete's growth.
Athletes, haven't you had experiences like that too?
The Essential Difference Between Failure and Mistakes
Here, let's make an important distinction.
What is failure?
Material for learning that is born as a result of new challenges
A result offorming and testing a hypothesis
Valuable data forthe next challenge
What is a mistake?
Irreparable results due tolack of verification or carelessness
Lack of preparation that could have beenprevented in advance
Neglect ofbasic rules or safety management
For example, look at the world of research. When scientists form a hypothesis, conduct an experiment, and get a result different from their prediction, they do not call it a "failure." They call it a "new discovery."
For instance, the stationery product "Post-it" was born from the result of a "failure" to create a strong adhesive, which instead produced a weak one. It is now a super convenient item that everyone has used, isn't it?
This is value born precisely because there was a "failure."
On the other hand, neglecting to disinfect experimental equipment and causing contamination is a "mistake." Forgetting to record data and having to redo an experiment is a "mistake."
Can you understand this difference?
Experience in actual coaching: The moment failure turned into growth
There is an episode from my coaching experience that I cannot forget.
It happened during a junior national team expedition. One athlete let their guard down in their daily life outside of the race and caused a major problem.
The athlete felt responsible and came to apologize in tears. "I'm sorry, I'm really sorry..."
It was certainly an act that caused trouble for those around them. However, rather than scolding the athlete, I decided to think about it together with them first.
"Why do you think this happened?" "What do you think you should do if you find yourself in a similar situation next time?"
As a result of facing and talking with the athlete, the words that came out of their mouth were,
"I want to act with more time to spare." "I think it is important to live with more composure for myself."
This was truly the moment they learned from their "failure."
And this is where it gets important.
From this experience, the athlete's behavior and awareness during the expedition changed. They developed a habit of acting with composure and avoiding rushing.
So, what do you think happened?
Not only did they stop having trouble, but that 'composure' alsoaffected their own race.
As a result of securing enough preparation time and being able to approach the race in a relaxed state, their swimming times even improved.
This athlete gained valuable learning that led to improved performance from a 'failure' in their daily life.
Don't you have a similar experience? An experience where a mistake you made at work led to later success because of what you learned from it.
A unique mechanism to prevent mistakes: Risk management using 'delusional power'
On the other hand, mistakes must be thoroughly prevented.
'Mistakes usually happen due to lack of confirmation and carelessness, in other words, lack of preparation.'
This is my philosophy.
But I understand. In reality, there are times when you have so much to do that you don't have enough preparation time, right?
There is a method I practice at such times.
First, I categorize mistakes into two types.
Irreparable mistakes: For example, those involving athlete safety, affecting tournament participation, etc.
Unavoidable mistakes: Those that cause some inconvenience but can be managed.
Irreparable mistakes are prioritized for countermeasures no matter how busy I am.
On the other hand, for unavoidable mistakes, I prepare if I have time, and if not, I anticipate recovery measures.
And, this is important, for both types of mistakes, I use 'delusional power'!
'If this mistake happens, what will I do the next moment?'
'If that doesn't go well either, what will I do after that?'
For example, a case during an expedition.
What if an athlete gets sick?
→ Research nearby hospitals in advance
→ Secure multiple contact numbers
→ Prepare necessary medications
What if you can't find a hospital?
→ Identify and contact local key persons
→ Consult with the embassy
→ Confirm procedures for returning home in the worst-case scenario
What if you can't return home?
→ Prepare for a long-term stay locally
→ Procedures for contacting the insurance company
→ Communication system with family
By layering these 'delusions' in this way, you can respond without panicking even if a mistake actually occurs. Furthermore, once you have envisioned the 'worst-case scenario' or the 'ultimate' situation, you can handle almost anything that happens without getting flustered or intimidated.
This is a technique that can be used not only in sports coaching but also in work and parenting. It is my personal theory that in both sports and work, if you think, 'At worst, it's not a matter of life and death,' you can often handle most things calmly.
Have you ever had the experience of thinking, 'I should have done that back then,' when some trouble occurred?
Three Steps to Put Into Practice
Summarizing what we have discussed so far, I will share concrete methods you can start practicing tomorrow.
Step 1: Clear Classification of Failure and Mistakes
First, try classifying the events that could occur.
Challenge Area (Encourage Failure)
Challenging new techniques
Practicing at a faster pace than before
Implementing bold strategies
Safety Management Area (Prevent Mistakes)
Basic safety checks
Physical condition management
Preparation and confirmation of equipment
Once you can make this classification, your own awareness—and if you are a coach, your way of speaking to athletes—will change.
In the challenge area, it's like, 'Let's keep trying,' or 'Even if it doesn't go well, it's a learning experience,' while in the safety management area, it's like, 'Let's check thoroughly,' or 'Don't neglect preparation'.
Step 2: Preparation Using 'Imagination Power'
Let's list the risks that should be anticipated.
Irreparable mistakes
Athlete injury
Loss of tournament eligibility
Serious rule violations
Unavoidable mistakes
Forgetting equipment
Minor schedule changes
Practice cancellation due to force majeure
For each one, expand your imagination by asking 'What if this happens?' and 'What if it goes even further?' to think of countermeasures.
Step 3: Linking Daily Life and Competition
As in the example of the athlete I mentioned earlier, let's convey that 'composure' in daily life also affects competition.
The importance of time management
How peace of mind leads to technical improvement
How lifestyle habits and personal character directly impact athletic performance
How greetings can open up new worlds
Athletes who understand this will grow not only in their sport but in their entire lives.
A question for the readers
Having read this far, what do you think?
Are you able to distinguish between 'failure' and 'mistakes'?
Even outside of sports, you should encounter similar situations at school, in the workplace, or at home.
Supporting the 'challenges' of yourself, as well as your juniors, subordinates, and children, while preventing 'basic mistakes.' If you can strike this balance, you can become a leader who supports the growth of those around you.
Please try using risk management through 'imagination power' in your daily life as well.
Finally, I would like to share a phrase that I heard and thought was great.
'Failure is the mother of success, preparation is the father of success'
Do not fear the failure that comes from taking on challenges, and prevent the mistakes that come from lack of preparation. When you can do both, a true spirit of challenge is fostered.
Do you have any similar episodes from your own guidance or daily life experiences? Also, if you have any thoughts after trying risk management using 'imagination power,' please let me know in the comments.
I believe that sharing your experiences and realizations will lead to the growth of many more people.
With that said, thank you for reading until the end this time as well!
If you found this content insightful, I would be happy if you could support me with a 'Like❤️', 'Follow✅', and 'Share♻️'.
Well then, see you next time!
See you later!
Finswimming Specialist
Finfish President Yoshihide Sekino
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