Heather V, the host of the “Choosing Happy” podcast, shares a profound and empowering perspective on failure. In her recent LinkedIn post, she reveals a side of failure that is often overlooked: its true power in shaping success. Heather V knows all too well the emotional weight that comes with facing setbacks, but through her own experiences, she has come to realize that failure is not the end. Rather, it is a pivotal moment for growth, learning, and momentum.
Heather V acknowledges that in her journey, she has often found herself caught in the trap of negative self-talk. These thoughts of inadequacysuch as “You’ll never get it right” or “How could you be so foolish?”are all too familiar to many of us. Yet, as she shares in her post, it was a single sentence from a book she read at 20, during a holiday in the Bahamas, that shifted her entire mindset: “There are no mistakes in life, just lessons to be learned along the path to where you are going.” This one line changed Heather V’s perception of failure forever.
Through this revelation, Heather V learned that there is no need to fear failure. In fact, she suggests that failure is an essential element of progress. The truth she shares is simple yet powerful: “Failure fuels momentum.” It is not in avoiding failure, but in embracing it, that we find the strength to keep moving forward. Real failure, according to Heather V, only happens when we stop trying.
Heather V also emphasizes that it is not simply the absence of failure that defines success, but the persistence to keep going despite it. How determined we are to continue, and how important the goal is to us, are the true factors that determine whether we achieve our dreams or give up. This is the secret that many people overlook. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being consistent and staying resilient in the face of challenges.
In her post, Heather V challenges the idea that staying in one place is a safe option. The real cost, she argues, is not trying at all. Choosing to stay stagnant, to not experiment or take risks, limits our potential for growth. The journey to success involves experimenting, learning, and adjusting. And it is in this process that we discover the valuable lessons that ultimately lead us to success. By embracing failure, we open ourselves up to new experiences and opportunities that we otherwise would have missed.
Heather V’s approach is one of self-compassion and curiosity. She acknowledges that life can feel overwhelming at times. We all face moments when it seems easier to give up, when everything feels beyond our control. It is precisely during these moments of uncertainty that Heather V’s mindset becomes invaluable. She offers a simple yet effective strategy for dealing with setbacksthree powerful questions that can help anyone facing failure:
What am I learning here that I could perceive or do differently?
What if I just play with this and take inspired action toward what I want?
What if this is actually a success in disguise, and how can I shape my future from here?
These questions encourage introspection and creativity, allowing individuals to view setbacks not as failures but as opportunities to learn, grow, and adjust their approach. Heather V’s approach is grounded in curiosity and playfulness, which helps shift the focus from the pain of failure to the excitement of discovery.
Heather V also understands the unique challenges that entrepreneurs face, especially when the future seems uncertain. It’s easy to feel disheartened when things don’t go as planned. But she is here to remind us that setbacks are not signs of defeat; they are part of the entrepreneurial journey. Whether it’s the uncertainty of business growth or personal doubts, Heather V encourages entrepreneurs to keep moving forward, aligned with their values and beliefs. The key, as she sees it, is to remain open to learning and adjusting, even when the path ahead is unclear.
In her post, Heather V makes a bold declaration for the year ahead: her goal is to help awakened entrepreneurs navigate the chaos of their lives and businesses, overcoming the perceived failures of the past. She invites individuals to connect with her and explore how they can work together to align their actions with their deepest values and rewrite their stories. This is not just about business strategy; it’s about personal transformation. By working intuitively and strategically, Heather V believes anyone can rewrite their dreams and achieve the results they desire.
Heather V’s message is clear: failure is not to be feared; it is to be embraced. The setbacks we face are not roadblocks but stepping stones on the path to success. By accepting failure as part of the journey, we can move forward with grace and ease, confident in the knowledge that every mistake is simply a lesson in disguise.
Heather V’s words inspire us to face our challenges with curiosity and playfulness, knowing that the greatest successes often arise from the willingness to fail, learn, and grow. Whether you are an entrepreneur or simply someone trying to navigate life’s uncertainties, Heather V’s message offers a refreshing reminder that failure is not the opposite of success; it is an essential ingredient in achieving it.
