Behind the Lessons: Failure!
One of my favorite participant stories occurred several years ago now.
One of the lessons that year centered around Girl Power. We had participants identify something they have always wanted to try but were ‘told’ they couldn’t because they were a girl.
A participant, we will call A, had always wanted to play football, but of course our society says that football is a ‘boy’ sport. Later that fall, I received a text message from A’s mom. A joined the flag football team and had just scored her first touchdown. A was so excited and told her mom that she needed to text ME to let me know. This decision gave A so much confidence and showed her that she can do what she sets her mind to.
Girls are more likely than boys to stay within their comfort zone as a result of two strong internal forces: self-doubt and the fear of failure.
By middle school, 80% of girls avoid trying new things or give up doing the things they love because they are afraid of failure. Likewise, girls are more likely than boys to choose activities, academic interests and eventually career ambitions based on what they perceive being good at versus where their interests truly lie.
Compounding the fear of failure is our society’s desire for immediate gratification and the glorification of success. This phenomenon has created a pursuit of perfectionism in our girls with a focus on a singular epic moment. However, in reality, success is a journey with progress coming in small increments.
BIO Girls believes so strongly in growth from failure that three different lessons touch on it. Participants will journey through self-discovery by stepping outside their comfort zone, practicing failure, celebrating progress and learning to give themselves grace. Throughout these lessons, the concepts will be reinforced by Faith’s experience of trying out for the winter musical, which was way outside her comfort zone.
BIO Girls will continue to push girls, like A, to get outside their comfort zones. We envision a world where all girls have the confidence and courage to continue pursuing the things they love.
