Golden Nuggets: Failing Forward

How do you react when failure is staring you in the face?
Think about it for a moment.

I believe most of us would gallantly say that you get up and keep going, but the more difficult follow up question is, "What direction? Where do we go from here?". The key to answering this question is in first understanding what failure is and what part it plays in life. In John Mawell's book Failing Forward he says,

The essence of man is imperfection. Know that you're going to make mistakes. The fellow who never makes a mistake takes his orders from one who does. Wake up and realize this: Failure is simply a price we pay to achieve success.

It's painful to realize that failure is a necessary part of victory. It is the part that teaches us what not to do, where not to go, and yet keep trying new and different things until we get where we need to go. Another famous leader you might recognize said this,

All successful leaders know where we want to go, figure out a way we believe will get the organization there, and then move forward with absolute determination. We may falter from time to time, but ultimately we are unswerving in moving toward our goal; we will not quit. There is an inner compulsion, obsession, to get it done the way you want it done.

Bill Walsh

Jim Harbaugh, for all his faults, has this in common with Bill Walsh: He knows where he wants to go and he will do what he has to do to get there no matter what anyone says, and it's clear that he has passed this vision and mindset to his players. This is what they had to say:

Last week was terrible, this week is going to be a lot worse. We brought it on ourselves. It's all good when you're winning football games two years in a row, but a little adversity hits, we'll see what we're made of. I know the guys in this locker room, the character of the guys. I know we'll bounce back and be OK.

Donte Whitner

We've had two successful years, in two years we never lost back-to-back. First time it happens, it's tough, man. We've got to look at ourselves, see what we've got to do to get better.

Frank Gore

And we all saw this on Colin Kaepernick's Twitter/Instagram:

Obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it! #questforsix

For all the frustration shown by the real fans and even the dropping away of the bandwagon fans, this team is still on track to succeed. Yes they've fallen flat on their faces, but they're still going forward. So let me ask the question again, "Where do we go from here?". We go to the links, of course!

The Past

That sinking feeling for the 49ers (TMQ/ESPN)
If you're tired of the "Bring back Alex Smith" bandwagon, DO NOT CLICK that link!

Fans come to the defense of 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (SJ Mercury News)
Ahh the Twitterverse, where they love you in 140 and hate you in the next 140 characters.

Whitner: ‘Crown of helmet' penalty won't draw NFL fine (Branch)
Donte Whitner and his wallet are safe.

2013 NFL Power Rankings: Week 4 (ESPN)
As badly as the Niners have played the last 2 weeks, the experts still believe they are a legit top 10 team.

Frank Gore: Frustration about losses, not coaching (NFL)
All is well in the Frank-n-Jim universe, but sometimes things are just said in the heat of a battle.

The Present

Infographic: 49ers vs. Rams Preview (49ers)
I just love these graphic previews from the official 49ers site. It's worth it just to see that Harbaugh talking head at the bottom.

Could Baldwin, James jolt 49ers' offense? (Williamson)
ESPN's 49ers blogger explores how much impact the activation of LaMichael James and Jon Baldwin can have on the upcoming game.

Willis isn't practicing, Davis is for Niners (PFT)
Plus 1 for the offense and Minus 1 for the defense, plus more injury woes.

49ers promote CB Morris, sign pass rusher (Yahoo)
Some necessary but most likely low-impact roster moves.

9 questions, 86 words: Kaepernick speaks with the St. Louis media (Branch)
So the media is irked that Colin uses few and very direct words to answer questions. Maybe if celebrities weren't misquoted so much, I would have some actual sympathy for them, but NO.

The Future

Michael Crabtree's return would be 'gravy,' OC says (NFL)
Greg Roman isn't planning for Michael Crabtree to return this season but he would surely love him back.

Michael Crabtree ‘Working Hard' to Return (Price)
Crabs is working very hard at his return and is keeping very active with the team and the WR crew.

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