In the meantime, cling tooth and nail to the following rule: not to give in to adversity, not to trust prosperity, and always take full note of fortune’s habit of behaving just as she pleases. Seneca.
In a world that often celebrates overnight successes, the road less traveled is where things work out differently than planned. For many people, the idea that “none of it” – nothing you are working towards – will work might sound daunting, but it is a gateway to mental toughness, innovation, and growth. Adopting the philosophy that things might not work out encourages us to view failures not as dead ends but as stepping stones toward success. We cultivate resilience and creativity by expecting the unexpected and preparing for obstacles.
Problems, as Duke Ellington once said, are a chance for us to do our best.
Ryan Holiday
I began adopting the belief that “none of it will work” to reduce anxiety about future challenges and all the things that can go wrong. The concept became an invitation to anticipate failure as an integral part of my success. The opposite belief is that things will ultimately “turn out as intended.” There is nothing wrong with positivity and hopefulness. When we start a project or set a goal, the natural inclination is to hope for smooth sailing and immediate results. Instead, preparing for setbacks, failures, and redirection is equally essential. By subscribing to the reality that things may not work, you open yourself up to handle anything with resilience. By acknowledging that we will see results and experience disruptions along the way, we free ourselves from the fear of failure.
Sometimes, no amount of planning or thinking will change the fact that some things don’t work out. And that’s OK. Success through the lens of accepting the belief things may not work out requires a fundamental mindset shift. We can’t control the world around us, but we can change how we view setbacks and create opportunities for learning, growth, and development. Changing your perception of things outside of your control will help guide you to succeed.
Nothing can ever prevent us from trying. Ever.
– Ryan Holiday
A Couple Things You Can Try
This mindset shift aligns with the concept of a growth mindset. To cultivate this mindset:
- Practice self-reflection and mindfulness.
- Regularly review your beliefs about failure and challenge preconceptions about your worth and ability.
- At the end of each day or week, evaluate what went well and what could be improved.
- Develop resilience by gradually exposing yourself to situations that stretch your comfort zone to build confidence.
- Break significant goals into smaller, achievable steps.
- Celebrate small wins, call them out, and share them with others!
- Taking space to recognize small wins gives you an indicator of growth and supports confidence.
Take Home
The concept of preparing for “none of it to work” is a theme from Ryan Holiday. The first time I read these words, it made so much sense to understand how our perceptions and beliefs shape our attitudes toward success. Acknowledging the likelihood of failure and viewing it as a natural part of the process, we can harness setbacks as catalysts for growth and success. Consider this, adopt it, and make it your own.
Additional Resources and Further Reading
For those interested in exploring the topic further, consider the following resources:
- “The Obstacle Is The Way” by Ryan Holiday
- “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” by Carol S. Dweck
- “The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries
- “Failing Forward” by John C. Maxwell
- Articles on growth mindset and resilience on reputable websites such as Psychology Today and Harvard Business Review
It’s been a joy, thanks for reading. Connect with me here let’s network: @modern.therapist