Mindset: Why Failure Is Not an Option and Builds Resilience

“Failure is not an option” is not just a motivational quote on my fridge.

Every morning, I am greeted by a fridge magnet propped against my screen that declares, “Failure is not an option.” I found this magnet featuring the words often attrubuted to Gene Kranz, Flight Director of Apollo 13, during a visit to the Kennedy Space Center. This quote serves as a daily reminder, grounding me and reinforcing the importance of perseverance and resilience in facing life’s challenges.

However, this is just one of many timeless quotes that guide and inspire me daily. From Lewis Carroll’s “The hurrier I go, the behinder I get” to the Scottish proverb “Whits Fur Ye’ll No Go By Ye” (What’s for you won’t go by you), and Henry Ford’s “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t, you are right,” these words resonate because they speak universal truths.

Together, they serve as daily affirmations, reminding me that mindset is everything—it shapes how we overcome challenges, find purpose, and prepare the next generation for their journeys.

A World That Shaped My Mindset

I grew up in a world where safety was never a given, especially for women. I was taught to walk tall, keys clenched between my fingers when alone at night, to stride confidently, and to avoid dark, isolated streets. Catcalls blended into the background noise, and harassment was an unwelcome yet all-too-frequent reality.

One experience that deeply shaped me was an encounter with a famous film director who claimed my crossed-over teeth were holding me back from being cast in Hollywood. He offered to pay to have them fixed and, if I spent the night with him, promised I would be cast in his next film as a “bonus.”

I still have my crossed-over teeth, and I wear them proudly as a testament to my integrity and self-respect.

A few years later, I was thrilled to be cast in a TV show, only to learn that I was chosen not for my talent but because my appearance would give “dads at home something nice to look at.” These were not isolated incidents—they reflected a society where appearance often outweighed ability, and women were valued more for their appearance than for what they brought to the table.

However, these moments built my resilience. They taught me that others’ perceptions did not define my worth and pushed me to adopt a “I am enough mindset.”

What We Pass Down

Now, as the mother of a primary school child I feel a responsibility to create a better world for her. I want her to grow up in a society where:

• Sexual harassment does not exist.
• Walking home at night does not require fear or precautions.
• Knife crime is a thing of the past.
• People are respected regardless of race, religion, gender, or beliefs.

It breaks my heart that, over a century after Emmeline Pankhurst fought for women’s rights, we are still battling for equal pay, respect, and a voice. Nevertheless, I believe in equality for everyone, not just women. I believe in a world where all individuals—regardless of gender, race, or background—are treated with dignity and fairness.

A Spiritual Foundation

I was raised in a Christian household, and while I now consider myself spiritual rather than religious, the principles I learned have stayed with me. Passages like these remind me of our shared humanity:

Genesis 1:26-28: “We are all equally made in God’s image.”

Proverbs 22:2: “The rich and poor have this in common: The Lord made them both.”

John 3:16: “Every human being is the object of the love of God.”

These values emphasise equality, compassion, and kindness—things we seem to have lost in a world where social media often amplifies judgment and division.

Mindset for Change

Mindset isn’t just about personal growth; it’s about shaping our world. The quotes I surround myself with are not mere words but a call to action. They push me to move forward, believe in the possibility of change, and hold steadfast to hope.

As parents, leaders, and individuals, we are the role models for the next generation. It’s our responsibility to teach our children self-respect and respect for others. We must challenge the societal norms that divide us and work toward a world where equality isn’t just an ideal but a tangible reality.

Failure might not be an option, but neither is standing by and doing nothing. Every day, we are reminded that our mindset is the cornerstone of resilience, growth, and the determination to face life’s challenges head-on. Let us embrace that mindset and make a difference.