I would take my identical twin boys apple-picking at local farms when they were little.

It was a full day of cool weather, flannel shirts, and apple cider donuts. When they were younger, they'd return home exhausted from all the available activities. (This, of course, was by design, so they'd pass out at 6 p.m.!)

When they were a little older, they learned that different kinds of trees grew different types of apples. They would follow the signs to the apples of their choice, proudly pick their favorites, and enjoy the first bite in the field under the tree, often claiming that their variety was the best and arguing all the way back to the car.

Back in the 13th century, when the word "failure" entered the dictionary and was defined as a lack of success, there were six varieties of apples.

A lot has changed since then.

Now, we have over 7,500 apple varieties. You can technically send a loved one to the store to buy "apples," but you will likely be disappointed when they return with their favorite variety, not the one you had hoped for.

Humans make up words and give them meaning.

Once we’re aware of the power of our words and how we use them (or don't), we can learn to communicate more clearly and choose what and how we use them. We of course do not have control on how they are received.

Failure is a perspective.

When my washer machine stopped working and spilled water all over my basement floor, I defined the washer machine as a failure. Something inside the machine didn't work in its intended manner.

As an entrepreneur, when I put an offer into the market and it doesn't sell, it's not a failure. From my perspective, it's an experiment and an opportunity to learn more information about what the market is looking for.

Both situations don't feel very good when they happen. [*1]

Emotions come up; feelings from past experiences come up, and our brain goes into action to keep us safe. All normal.

It's what you do after that.

And that is a choice you make.

You can judge yourself or others based on the 13th-century definition of failure. Or, you can see that the words we use have various meanings.

The choice is yours.

Rethink failure.

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A place for my digressions.

[*1] I know the Huberman Lab podcast episodes are a time commitment, but his latest episode with Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett about emotions is #MINDBLOWN - Link below!

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