The idea of starting something new, filled with so much promise, only to see it fade into oblivion, or pouring my heart and soul into an application, only to receive that dreaded rejection email—it’s tough. Thoughts like “Am I good enough? Do I have what it takes? Why should I keep trying?” flood my mind.

If you’re running a business, I know the worry of figuring out what to tell your investors and team. What do you say to those who have invested their time, resources, and maybe even put their lives on hold because they believed in the vision you sold them? And how do you face your customers who have built their businesses around your product, only to learn that you won’t be there for them anymore?

Failing hurts. The pressure society puts on us when we fail can be overwhelming. But what we often forget is that in our social interactions, we only see the highlights—the graduations, the new jobs, the fancy cars and houses. We don’t see the 600 rejection emails, the failed deals, the delayed promotions, the visits to rehab, or the battles with depression. We don’t see the struggles of the thriving tech entrepreneur or the founder grappling with their mental health, addiction, or the immense pressure of leading a company that’s tackling difficult problems.

For me, embracing failure means:

Acknowledging my own humanity and imperfections, understanding that I’m bound to make mistakes. The impact of my decisions and what society thinks of me don’t define who I am. My true worth lies in the size of my heart, my actions, and my unwavering commitment to self-improvement.

Making a conscious decision to learn from each experience and quickly move on from it. Each failure holds valuable lessons if I’m willing to embrace them.

Recognizing that failure is a natural part of life’s ups and downs—it’s what gives meaning to our journey.

Taking care of my mental health and remembering that I’m not alone. Behind the smiling faces of those I may compare myself to, there are challenges they’ve faced and overcome.

Not allowing the fear and pain of failure to paralyze me, preventing me from pursuing new opportunities, starting fresh in a new business venture, or building new relationships, even after being scarred by the past.

The truth is, we’re all a work in progress—imperfect creatures trying to find our way in this journey called life. So, don’t be afraid of failure, my friend. Embrace it, learn from it, and keep pushing forward. And above all, make sure to live life to the fullest.

– Century Favour is Managing partner at Endgame the Strategy Company and a Co-Founder at DO-Takeaction