It’s helpful to distinguish between failing and merely making an error. The very word “fail” is toxic for many people. An honest error can take place through honest reasoning, but errors are almost always correctable. However, if your habitual internal response to error is ‘I’m a failure,’ then you will come to see yourself as other than what you actually are: a person capable of error who can correct those errors, and become more correct and competent over time. Honest error is generally due to an incorrect premise, a flaw in your logic or the absence of crucial information. Once you understand your error, you’re stronger and wiser. And better. That’s not failure.