E38 The Success Habit of Failing Forward – Embracing Temporary Defeat for Growth
- S2E38
- 13:00
- January 13th 2025
Ever felt like setbacks are the end of your story—they’re actually just the beginning. This episode will turn your understanding of failure on its head and reveal how science and mindset can help you use every stumble as a stepping stone to success.
We’re talking about the habit of “failing forward.” In today's world, resilience isn't just a buzzword—it's essential.
Whether you’re building a business, pursuing a dream, or simply wanting to grow, how you handle setbacks can make all the difference. Too many of us fear failure, but even more common is the quiet fear of our own success.
The conversation will spotlight how to shift your perspective and reshape your journey so setbacks become vital lessons instead of dead ends.
What You Need to Know
- Failure is only permanent when you quit. Choose to see defeat as temporary by keeping your focus on what you can learn.
- Many people don’t actually fear failing; they fear what success might demand or change in their lives.
- Quitting is an internal decision—not an external one. When you give up, you’re telling yourself you’re not good enough.
- Success comes from habit and repeated effort. You’ll keep repeating lessons until you grow into the person who can move forward.
- You are not your results. Your setbacks and your victories don’t define your worth or your identity.
What You Need to Do
- Reflect on setbacks as soon as possible. Stay down just long enough to understand what tripped you—then get up and move.
- Take the first step forward, even if it’s in fear. Your subconscious wants to protect you, but courage grows from action.
- Find a coach or mentor. No one sees all their blind spots—get someone who can help you spot yours.
- Learn the lesson hidden in every experience. Recognize opportunity in both success and failure.
- Avoid labeling decisions as “good” or “bad” purely based on short-term results—they’re simply steps in your journey.
Your Next Step
Choose one setback you’re still carrying—look for the lesson or opportunity in it. Reflect briefly, take a note, and then take one small step forward. Remember, you are never your results. The journey of success is built on each step you take after a fall.
Want more insights on failing forward and building success habits?
👉 Connect with Londina Cruz at Londina.com for resilience coaching and daily motivation.
👉 Work with Donna Kunde at DonnaKunde.com to transform your mindset, grow your business and get the free resources mentioned in this podcast series.
⭐ Loved this episode? Share it with someone who needs encouragement!
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:56 Understanding Fear of Success
02:11 Distinguishing Failure from Temporary Defeat
03:09 The Habit of Failing Forward
04:44 The Role of Reflection and Adjustment
05:14 Overcoming Fear and Taking the First Step
06:15 The Importance of Coaching and Mentorship
07:54 You Are Not Your Results
09:56 Resiliency and Failing Forward
11:41 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Building Success Habits
“The more tranquil a person becomes, the greater is their success, their influence, their power for good.” James Allen
"Building Success Habits" is a podcast hosted by Donna Kunde (Business Coach) and Londina Cruz (Life Strategist). The show is all about sharing practical tips, strategies, and insights for building success habits in all areas of life.
This show was originally produced as hour-long radio content, later adapted into 4-episode Signature Season themes for podcast listeners.
The podcast explores a variety of success habits, including goal-setting, resilience, focus, and productivity. Each episode provides insights into how these habits can be developed and maintained, along with tips for staying motivated and on track.
In addition to success habits, the show covers personal development and mindset topics, such as overcoming limiting beliefs and cultivating a growth mindset. Donna and Londina share their own experiences and challenges in these areas, providing listeners with relatable examples and actionable advice.
Whether you are an entrepreneur, business owner, or simply someone who wants to achieve more success in your personal and professional life, "Building Success Habits" offers inspiration and tools to help you achieve your goals and live a more fulfilling life.
Join Donna and Londina on this journey of self-discovery and growth, and learn how to build the success habits that will transform your life.
"When we begin to see the world from the inside out, life will happen through us instead of to us."
Donna Kunde is one of IBGR's founders and started her career in radio at WNTW on it's Sales 2020 Show. In her role as EVP Supply Management she is responsible for day-to-day station operations and the quality of programming - both show topics and OnAir Talent.
She is an internationally recognized Business Coach and Trainer bringing 20+ years’ experience in military leadership. Donna has been a serial entrepreneur for the last 25 years owning a range of businesses experiencing the unique challenges solopreneurs face with small business growth.
In addition to her entrepreneurial background, Donna brings 35 years of academic and applied cognitive and behavioral science experience to the IBGR Network. Her specialty is helping organizations navigate through change, challenge and tragedy. The combination of her intensive study of the mind, plus practical applications in human potential, Donna provides a unique perspective on leadership, personal growth, sales, communication, and team building.
A high point of Donna's training career happened when she accompanied Dr. John C. Maxwell and his team on a country transformation mission. At the request of the Costa Rican government, the Maxwell team successfully trained 15,000 Round Table facilitators in three days, resulting in a 2% transformation of that nation and projected to reach another 60,000 Costa Ricans the following week. Her trademark energetic communication style and teaching skills have earned her a reputation as a highly effective speaker and respected facilitator.
Londina Cruz is an International Trainer, Executive Coach, and Keynote Speaker with the John Maxwell Team and a Strategic Coach with Anthony Robbins. Londina is a part of Global Transformation with the John Maxwell Foundation, training thousands of leaders in Paraguay and Costa Rica to help transform the values and culture of these nations.
She has spent more than 25 years studying, coaching and consulting in personal mastery and human performance techniques. These techniques include emotional and social intelligence trainings that elevate individuals, leaders and their organizations to excel well beyond current standards – offering a dynamic competitive advantage.
Londina has taken a situation that would devastate most individuals, being hit by a drunk driver, and has turned it into her life force. In this accident, Londina sustained a traumatic head injury, broken back and broken neck. The doctors gave her little hope of a normal life. She has now turned this challenge into an extraordinary life of empowering others to turn their fears into freedom and reach their potential.
Mastering her limiting beliefs and overcoming all that doctors had told her, Londina has thrived physically as well.
She has become a Triathlete (competing in a Half-Ironman and medaling in numerous other triathlons), a two-time marathon runner (Nike Women’s in San Francisco and the Marine Corps in Washington), and a cyclist.
She has released 100 lbs. by taking control of her thoughts instead of allowing thoughts to control her.
She knows what it takes to take you and your team from where you are to where you want to be.
As a Certified Coach, Teacher and Speaker, I can offer you workshops, seminars, keynote speaking, and coaching, aiding your personal and professional growth through study and practical application of John’s proven leadership methods. Working together, I will move you and/or your team or organization in the desired direction to reach your goals.
Contact me. I am looking forward to assisting you on your journey to becoming a success in your life and/or business.