The Currency of Learning Isn’t Failure

Izzy Grandic’s Lessons

I used to think the currency of learning was failure. When you fail, you make a mistake and therefore, you “learn.” But there is a difference between knowing something and acting upon it. Failure makes you aware of the right actions, but you’ve only learned once you change your behaviour.

Therefore, the currency of learning is not failure but change.

In fact, learning is often an excuse for failure. “I failed, but I learned.” No, you fail, but now you know what not to do. You learn once you change your actions, acting upon that knowledge.

There are two experiences I’ll speak towards:

1. Failing but not learning: messing up team dynamics
2. Studying for the Oxford TSA

Failing but not learning: messing up team dynamics

In May, I made a mistake. 2 months into my team project ending maternal mortality (EMM), I started making quick decisions without consulting my team. I changed processes, switched up our timelines and altered the team with little input from others. I was thinking too fast. I was moving too far ahead.

My actions became detrimental to the team’s progress, as I was always throwing something new. My rational brain was making excuses for each decision. I thought it all made perfect sense.