Working with a scientist I was surprised to hear them say that they expect to fail more than they succeed, and also fascinated by the notion that every failure takes him a step closer to finding the answer to a solution.

And in one fell swoop it blew out of the water the phrase I’d known and loved for many years: Failure is not an option (Gene Kranz).

So I had a rethink.  How about these ideas, instead:

• “Failure is an option here.  If things are not failing, you are not innovating enough” (Elon Musk)
• “I have not failed.  I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work” (Thomas Edison)
• “There’s no good or bad, there’s just different” (my scientist friend).

My new mantra?

• “Failure’s OK, and trying’s better” (me)