EKAITZ SAIES

Now that I live in Oxford, I often find myself walking to the Iffley Road running track. This historic site, where Roger Bannister broke the four-minute mile in 1954, serves as a powerful reminder of the bold goals that drive human achievement. Bannister’s feat wasn’t just about physical endurance—it was about embracing the possibility of failure. He took on a challenge many believed impossible, knowing full well the risks. His courage to expose himself to losing ultimately led to one of the greatest athletic accomplishments in history.

In a society obsessed with success, losing is often seen as a failure. But what if we flipped the narrative? What if losing wasn’t the opposite of winning but, instead, the very path that leads us there? Embracing the possibility of failure is not about inviting defeat but about creating opportunities to learn, grow, and ultimately succeed.

Exposing yourself to losing is an act of courage—it means stepping outside your comfort zone, taking risks, and daring to pursue goals that may feel just out of reach.

When you play it safe and avoid risks, you shield yourself from failure—but you also limit your opportunities for growth. On the other hand, when you expose yourself to losing, you gain invaluable lessons. Each setback offers insights into what works, what doesn’t, and where you can improve.

Consider Olympic champions, whose paths to glory are often paved with defeats. A study by Karen Howells and David Fletcher, “Sink or Swim: Adversity- and Growth-Related Experiences in Olympic Swimming Champions,” found that setbacks like injuries, underperformance, or losses are crucial in shaping elite athletes. These challenges help them build resilience, hone their skills, and develop the mental toughness necessary for victory.

The same principle applies to all areas of life. Every “loss” you experience—whether it’s a failed project, a missed promotion, or a personal misstep—can teach you something that will make you stronger for the next challenge.

When you expose yourself to losing, you’re stepping into the unknown. You’re taking risks, which is essential for growth. Playing it safe might keep you comfortable, but it won’t push you to achieve your full potential.

Entrepreneurs are a great example of this principle in action. Most successful businesses are born from countless failed ideas and ventures. Each failure brings new insights and innovations that pave the way for eventual success. Think of innovators like Thomas Edison, who famously failed thousands of times before inventing the lightbulb. His mindset? “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.

Exposing yourself to losing doesn’t mean you’ll always fail—it means you’re prepared for the possibility and willing to face it head-on. This builds resilience, which is one of the most critical traits for success.

Resilience allows you to bounce back from setbacks, stay focused on your goals, and keep going when things get tough. It’s the mental muscle you develop every time you try and fail, only to get up and try again.

Psychologists call this “post-traumatic growth,” where individuals become stronger, more confident, and more capable after enduring adversity. This principle applies whether you’re competing in sports, running a business, or navigating life’s personal challenges.

Exposing yourself to losing requires vulnerability—a willingness to be seen, judged, and even criticised. While this may feel uncomfortable, it’s also incredibly powerful. Vulnerability builds courage and fosters connection. It shows others (and yourself) that you’re not afraid to take risks, which is often a prerequisite for success.

When you dare to lose, you gain something even more valuable than a win: the confidence to keep showing up, regardless of the outcome.

Here are some practical ways to reframe losing as an essential step towards success:

1. Set big, bold goals

Choose goals that scare you a little. If you’re never at risk of losing, you’re not aiming high enough.

2. Celebrate effort over outcome

Focus on the process, not just the results. Whether you win or lose, recognise the courage it took to try.

3. Learn from every experience

After every setback, ask yourself: What can I learn from this? How can I use this experience to grow?

4. Surround yourself with support

Having a strong support network can help you stay motivated and resilient when you face challenges.

5. Practise self-compassion

Losing doesn’t mean you’re a failure—it’s simply part of the journey. Be kind to yourself and keep moving forward.

When you expose yourself to losing, you’re not setting yourself up for failure—you’re setting yourself up to win. By taking risks, embracing setbacks, and learning from every experience, you unlock your true potential and build the resilience necessary for lasting success.

Remember, every great achievement begins with a leap of faith. So, step outside your comfort zone, embrace the possibility of losing, and watch how it transforms your journey to success.