🎧 PART 1 — FAILURE | The Wrong Words Podcast
Failure — a final verdict or just a label we slap on unfinished work? Oliver and Luon kick off a multi-part look at this loaded word. In Part 1 they push back on the idea that failure is final, argue that many “failures” are iterations or missing puzzle pieces, and call out how ego, memory, and social measuring-sticks twist the story we tell ourselves.
🧠In this episode we explore:
Why creatives and entrepreneurs reframe “failure” as iteration, not endpoint
How memory and measurement shape whether we call something a failure
The difference between quitting, not starting, and true incompetence
Ego vs. insecurity: which one whispers “quit” and why that matters
đź“š We unpack:
Dictionary definitions (lack of success, omission of required action) vs. lived reality (learning, iteration, pivot)
Real-world examples: prototypes, product iterations, entrepreneurs who “failed forward”
When failure is simply missing information — not finality — and how community solves the puzzle
đź’Ą Key moments include:
The “cell phone prototype” analogy: what looks like failure is often data for the next version
Ego = quit? A tight, provocative argument about why our pride pushes us to toss projects instead of ask for help
The difference between failure, incompetence, and not-yet-ready — and what each actually requires
🛠️ You’ll walk away with:
A new lens to decide whether something is truly failed — or simply part of the build
Language to reframe setbacks as iterations and invite help instead of shame
A prompt to examine which memories are stopping you from starting (or restarting)
🎧 This episode is brought to you by Fairways & Putts. Visit fairwaysandputts.com today — every stroke counts.
đź“Š POLL QUESTION:
When you hear “failure,” what do you think?
A) Iteration
B) Defeat
C) Not started
D) Learning
👇 Vote on Spotify (or drop your pick in the comments). Which “failure” in your life needs reframing — iteration, repair, or a fresh start?
#WrongWordsPodcast #Failure #Iteration #Ego #StartAgain
