Faith After Failure

Failure feels heavy because we are taught to see it as an endpoint. 

Many of us learned early that failure means something is wrong with us. We learned that mistakes close doors and that setbacks are proof we should not try again. But that is not the truth. Failure is often the beginning of a different story. It stretches us in ways success never could. It teaches skill, courage, and patience. It becomes the soil where grit takes root.

Most people fear failure because they fear being seen. They fear the silence after disappointment. They fear the comments, the comparisons, and the quiet feeling of not being enough. Yet the people we call successful are rarely the ones who never fell. They are the ones who kept standing up, even when no one was watching, even when the outcome was uncertain, and even when quitting felt safer than hoping again.

This is why reframing failure matters. Failure is feedback. It is the voice that says try again with more wisdom. It exposes what we could not see and reveals what we need next. It removes the illusion that perfection is required for progress. And with time, it builds something far more valuable than a clean track record. It builds a resilient heart

In this episode, we explore the principles of “failing forward,” inspired by John Maxwell’s book and shaped by years of real experiences including missed opportunities, hard lessons, delayed wins, and the uncomfortable work of taking responsibility. We redefine its meaning, separate identity from outcome, learn to act before fear takes over, and build persistence when quitting feels easier. If you are building something new, changing direction, leading a team, or simply trying to grow, this conversation offers a mindset shift that removes the shame from failing and restores the purpose in trying. 

“If you're trying not to fail, you're probably gonna try not to succeed. You have to be willing to fail.” - Dr. Derrick Burgess

Topics Covered:

(00:00:00)  Introduction

(00:01:43) How society teaches us to fear failure

(00:02:26) “Failing Forward” by John Maxwell

(00:04:33) Step 1: How achievers view failure

(00:06:39) Step 2: Redefining failure

(00:07:29) Step 3: Remove you from failure

(00:09:01) Step 4: Take action to reduce fear

(00:09:37) Step 5: Accepting responsibility for change

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(00:12:54) Step 6: Protecting yourself from outside negativity

(00:14:00) Step 7: Leaving yesterday behind

(00:14:47) Step 8: Change yourself, not the world around you

(00:15:26) Step 9: Serve others instead of comparing

(00:16:22) Step 10: Finding the good in bad experiences

(00:18:24) Step 11: If you succeed, try something harder

(00:18:44) Step 12: Turning bad experiences into good lessons

(00:18:51) Step 13: Working on weaknesses that weaken you

(00:20:10) Step 14: The small gap between success and failure

(00:21:39) Step 15: Get up, get over it, and keep going

Key Takeaways:  

“The longer the fear remains unchecked, the harder the person has to work to break the cycle.”

“If you're focused on not making mistakes, you're probably gonna be limited.”

“Failure is a price you have to pay to achieve success.”“You're not as bad as your worst day and you're not as good as your best day.”

“The more you look back, the less time you have to look forward.”“A winner knows how much he still has to learn even when he's considered an expert.”

Connect with Dr. Derrick Burgess:

Website: https://www.drderrickthesportsdr.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drderrickthesportsdr/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TimeOut.SportsDr

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrick-burgess-72047b246/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.derrickburgess243

Email: thesportsdoctr@gmail.com

Other Links: https://www.hbcuendzone.org/about

This episode of TimeOut with the SportsDr. is produced by Podcast VAs Philippines - the team that helps podcasters effectively launch and manage their podcasts, so we don't have to. Record, share, and repeat! Podcast VAs PH gives me back my time, so I can focus on the core functions of my business. Need expert help with your podcast? Go to www.podcastvasph.com.