Deferred Success

Deferred success became the new buzz word in the year 2009 in an attempt to make the word ‘failure redundant. The idea was proposed by a retired teacher Liz Beattie, who argued that using the term ‘failure’ would hamper the motivational level amongst the pupil who despite of various attempts to accomplish something just aren’t able to do so.

It was suggested that the word ‘failure’ should be completely eliminated from the dictionary  which meant that instead of declaring that someone has failed, the institutions would rephrase it and state that their efforts to succeed have resulted in deferred success.

In the facet of changing dynamics which has resulted in increased competition, failure at some point or the other is inevitable. In my opinion, using the term Deferred Success it’s no more than using flowery language to reside in the state of denial!

Whether it’s a marathon race, a college exam or a new technology development, failures merely help us see things from a new perspective and start afresh. It suggests that one shouldn’t repeat the past mistakes or else will face its repercussions. When failure hits you on the face, you get down to it more fiercely and improvise your present state rising above your shortcomings.

Numerous innovations that have failed in the past, only to find a new direction. In some instances, other companies have taken inspiration from failures of others which in return helped them come up with innovative offerings which are phenomenally successful. Polaroid Polavison for example was doomed because of bad timings. However, Flip Camcorders today are none other than what Polaroid wanted to be but couldn’t.

Failure is a challenge within itself as Henry Ford describes, ‘Failure is the opportunity to begin again, more intelligently’. Using the term ‘deferred success’ would put a limit to the level to which you can succeed. However, with ‘failure’ comes determination and having nothing to lose. Knowing that one has nothing to lose and giving it a fresh start can do wonders where only sky is the limit.

Entrepreneurship is all about risk. Risk can result in failure. Here’s a call to many companies in Pakistan who think that failure is not an option – the reality of the situation is that it is.