The Lawyer’s Well-Being Brief. . .Failing Forward!
“The difference between greatness and mediocrity is often how an individual views a mistake.”-Nelson Boswell
Welcome (back) to the Lawyer’s Well-Being Brief! Each week, I share insights and practical strategies to help us cultivate well-being and thrive — both personally and professionally. Live well! Lawyer well!
This week we are looking at Failing Forward. . .Turning Mistakes into Stepping Stones for Success written by John C. Maxwell.
Who is John C. Maxwell?
John C. Maxwell is a renowned leadership expert, author, and speaker who has written over 100 books, many of which focus on leadership, personal development, and growth. With decades of experience, Maxwell has influenced millions through his teachings on effective leadership principles, including his famous “The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership.” He is also the founder of the John Maxwell Company, which provides leadership training and development to organizations worldwide. Maxwell is highly regarded for his ability to make complex leadership concepts accessible and actionable.
What is Failing Forward. . .Turning Mistakes into Stepping Stones for Success about?
In Failing Forward, Maxwell redefines failure — not as a dead end, but as a stepping stone to success. He argues that the difference between average people and high achievers is how they handle failure. Rather than avoiding or being paralyzed by it, successful people learn from failure, adapt, and keep moving forward. The book offers practical strategies for changing your perspective on setbacks, building resilience, and turning mistakes into growth opportunities. Ultimately, Maxwell encourages readers to embrace failure as an essential part of progress and personal development.2. Digital Nature Immersion
What can we learn from the book?
“What makes the difference? Why do some people achieve so much? Is it…
Family background? Having a good family growing up is something to be grateful for, but it’s not a reliable indicator of achievement. High percentages of successful people come from broken homes.
Wealth? No, some of the greatest achievers come from households of average to below-average means. Wealth is no indicator of high achievement, and poverty is no guarantee of low achievement.
Opportunity? You know, opportunity is a peculiar thing. Two people with similar gifts, talents, and resources can look at a situation, and one person will see tremendous opportunity while the other sees nothing. Opportunity is in the eye of the beholder.
High morals? I wish that were the key, but it’s not. I’ve known people with high integrity who have achieved little. And I’ve known scoundrels who are high producers. Haven’t you?
The absence of hardship? For every achiever who has avoided tragedy, there’s a Helen Keller who overcame extreme disabilities or a Viktor Frankl who survived absolute horrors. So that’s not it either.
No, none of these things are the key. When it comes right down to it, I know of only one factor that separates those who consistently shine from those who don’t: The difference between average people and achieving people is their perception and response to failure. Nothing else has the same kind of impact on people’s ability to achieve and to accomplish whatever their minds and hearts desire.”
More We Can Learn from the Book
“A common obstacle to success is the desire to cut corners and take the short road to success. But shortcuts never pay off in the long run. As Napoleon said, victory belongs to the most persevering.
Most people tend to underestimate the time it takes to achieve something of value, but to be successful you have to be willing to pay your dues. James Watt spent twenty years laboring to perfect his steam engine. William Harvey labored night and day for eight years to prove how blood circulated in the human body. And it took another twenty-five years for the medical profession to acknowledge he was right.
Cutting corners is really a sign of impatience and poor self-discipline. But if you are willing to follow through, you can achieve a breakthrough. That’s why Albert Gray says, ‘The common denominator of success lies in forming the habit of doing things that failures don’t like to do.’”
Top 10 Reasons We Might Fail
Poor People Skills
Well-being connection: Healthy relationships are a pillar of well-being. Strengthen your empathy, active listening, and boundaries — your emotional health depends on it.
A Negative Attitude (Learn hope and optimism!)
️ Well-being connection: A positive mindset fuels resilience and mental health. Optimism isn’t denial — it’s choosing to focus on possibility and growth.
A Bad Fit (You’re in the wrong environment)
Well-being connection: The spaces we occupy shape our energy. If you’re not thriving, it might not be you — it might be where you are. Seek environments that support your values and strengths.
Lack of Focus (Get your Energy FOCUSED on What’s Important NOW!)
Well-being connection: Scattered energy is exhausting. Mental clarity, prioritization, and presence boost both performance and peace of mind.
A Weak Commitment (Are YOU committed?)
Well-being connection: Commitment builds confidence and momentum. But make sure you’re committed to things that align with your well-being, not just your ego.
An Unwillingness to Change (What do YOU need to change?!)
Well-being connection: Growth is change. Holding onto old ways keeps you stuck. Flexibility and a growth mindset are essential to thriving.
A Shortcut Mind-Set (Shortcuts never pay off in the long run)
Well-being connection: Real well-being is built, not hacked. Take the time to build healthy habits, relationships, and skills — the compound interest is worth it.
Relying on Talent Alone (Hard work > talent when talent doesn’t work hard!)
Well-being connection: Talent is a gift, but effort is a choice. And sustained effort requires rest, recovery, and mindset support — aka well-being.
A Response to Poor Information (Be mindful of what you consume)
Well-being connection: What you feed your mind affects your mood, decisions, and clarity. Be as discerning with information as you are with your diet.
No Goals (What’s YOUR #1 Target right now?)
Well-being connection: Purpose and direction give life meaning. Setting goals that align with your values boosts motivation, satisfaction, and well-being.
Closing Thoughts
In Failing Forward, Maxwell reminds us that failure isn’t the end — it’s often the very beginning of growth. The people who rise aren’t the ones who never fall, but the ones who choose to learn, adapt, and keep going. Progress isn’t about perfection; it’s about resilience. So next time we stumble, and there will certainly be stumbles, don’t retreat — lean in. That misstep might just be our next step forward.
Forward Always!
