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The Stigma of Failure
Nowadays, there is a lot of talk about success, a valued word, and truly little about failure, a stigmatized word. In a culture that glorifies success, failure is disqualified and seen as a sign of lack of ability. That is why it is fearful and hidden. Even considering failure as a phase of learning, it is socially accepted only if it is temporary or part of the path to success. However, failure provides self-knowledge, exposes limits and reevaluates objectives. It can be an essential part of success, by enriching continuous development with wisdom.
Big Companies; Big Failures
In 2012, Apple launched Apple Maps as an alternative to Google Maps, but the app was heavily criticized for navigation errors, incorrect locations, and distorted images. The company was forced to publicly apologize and recommend competing apps until the problems were fixed. Apple survived the failure because it learned from its mistake.
In 1985, Coca-Cola launched “New Coke,” a new formula to replace the traditional one. The public reaction was disastrous, with protests and a nostalgia movement for the original flavor, leading the company to quickly reverse the change and relaunch the classic formula as “Coca-Cola Classic.” By acknowledging its mistake and backtracking, Coca-Cola was able to overcome its failure.
Although Kodak invented the first digital camera in 1975, the company was reluctant to invest in the technology to protect its lucrative film business. The hesitation cost them dearly as digital photography became popular and led the company to declare bankruptcy in 2012. Kodak was not as lucky as Coca-Cola because it was slow to act.
Anxiety, Both in Victory and in Defeat
Everyone wants success, especially financial achievements, status, and fame. This generates anxiety, both in achieving it and in the fear of losing it, which generates stress and a feeling of imprisonment. Imposter syndrome increases this insecurity. The proximity of failure generates the fear of judgment and the feeling of inadequacy. Both anxieties result from the pressure to live up to external expectations.
Impostor syndrome is a psychological condition in which the person doubts their abilities and achievements, believing themselves to be a "fraud" who will soon be discovered. Despite unambiguous evidence of success, they attribute their successes to luck or external help, and not to their own merit. This syndrome is common in high-pressure environments and can cause anxiety, insecurity and excessive perfectionism, low self-confidence that affects one's own performance. It occurs in individuals with unusual backgrounds and experiences and can harm the individual's personal and professional life.
Cinematic Failures
The film King Arthur: Legend of the Sword (2017) had a budget of $175 million, but only grossed $148 million worldwide. The attempt to modernize the legend of King Arthur was not enough to cover the film's huge cost. They relied too much on the crystal ball.
A Star Wars Story (2018), on the other hand, with a budget of $275 million and a worldwide box office of $393 million, had its expectations frustrated. Despite being part of the Star Wars universe, this spin-off about the young Han Solo failed to excite fans and generated significant losses. They relied too much on their own luck.
The 13th Warrior (1999) went further. It spent $100-160 million and grossed only $61 million. This epic adventure, starring Antonio Banderas, underwent major cuts and revisions, but still tanked at the box office. It did not work out.
Failures in the Music World
Michael Jackson's 2001 album Invincible, despite having some acclaimed tracks and being his last studio album before his death, sold much less than expected, hampered by conflicts between the artist and the record label.
Britney Jean, Britney Spears' album (2013) was considered one of Britney's least inspired works, had a disappointing commercial performance and is often forgotten by the artist herself and her fans, that is, they danced to the music.
Not even Madonna escaped. In the album Hard Candy (2008), Madonna tried to explore a hipper hop and urban style. That is right, she tried. The album performed worse than her previous works, despite collaborations with Justin Timberlake and Pharrell. Not even the action among friends helped.
Failure and Success on Social Networks
Social networks have created a "curation of success", where people display their achievements and hide failures and difficulties. In addition to being an illusion of perfection, it creates a cycle of comparison and frustration for those who live in a reality of difficulties. For many young people, they have become a space for validation, a cybernetic judge. The pressure to maintain an idealized image makes self-esteem dependent on "likes" and "followers." It is the perfect breeding ground for anxiety and impostor syndrome.
Sales Failures in the Publishing World
The Original of Laura, by Vladimir Nabokov (2009), published posthumously from fragments left by him, the novel was received lukewarmly and sold poorly, falling short of expectations for an unfinished work by such a renowned author.
The Casual Vacancy – J.K. Rowling (2012). “Even you, Brutus?” After the success of the Harry Potter series, Rowling’s debut in adult literature divided readers. Although it sold well initially, interest quickly waned due to mixed reviews. Not even Harry’s magical world helped.
Purgatory – Tomás Eloy Martínez (2008) – released with considerable expectations due to Martínez’s prestige, the book, although acclaimed, had a modest reception in sales and failed to win over a large audience. It went from purgatory to hell.
Theatrical Failures
Arthur Bicknell's play Moose Murders (1983) was so discredited that it became synonymous with failure. The comedy had a single performance on Broadway and is remembered as one of the greatest flops in American theater. The moose got their revenge.
Based on Stephen King's novel Carrie: The Musical (1988), this musical was an unfortunate combination of horror and musical that became one of Broadway's biggest failures. Although it still has a cult following today, it only lasted five performances after being massacred by critics. They found Carrie strange.
The Capeman – Paul Simon and Derek Walcott (1998) - the musical written by Paul Simon, directed by award-winning poet Derek Walcott, was a sales disaster. The inflated cost of production and negative reviews made The Capeman one of Broadway's great failures.
eing “successful” means being constantly productive, always moving and growing. This culture disregards moments of pause, reflection and even mistakes and failures, which can be valuable. For many, failure ends up being a forced pause, a necessary shock that forces them to question this idea of productivity and to redefine what success or failure is.
Failed World Cups
1934 – Italy - the 1934 World Cup was used as a propaganda tool by Benito Mussolini's fascist regime, which influenced the organization and even the refereeing. Italy won the tournament, but the neutrality of the competition was questioned, and the political climate made the tournament controversial.
1950 – Brazil - known for the “Maracanazo”, in which Brazil lost the final to Uruguay, this edition was traumatic for Brazilians and marked by a confusing organization. The tournament did not have a traditional final format and several teams withdrew, including France and Turkey, as well as boycotts by South American countries such as Argentina.
1978 – Argentina - held under a military dictatorship, this World Cup is remembered for suspicions of match-fixing, especially the game between Argentina and Peru, which ended in a controversial 6-0 victory for Argentina. Many critics see this tournament as political propaganda for the Argentine dictatorship.
“Public Failure” and the Fear of Exposure
Fear of failure affects the mental health of young people, who see it as a threat to success. Academic, professional, and interpersonal failures are seen as character flaws due to social pressure to achieve clear goals. This makes it difficult to seek psychological help and generates anxiety and burnout. Digital exposure makes failure public, fuels perfectionism and limits learning. However, many people begin to redefine success, prioritize authenticity and self-care. Self-acceptance movements promote honesty about failures, and failure is recognized as part of growth.
Failed Olympics
Berlin – 1936 - used as a propaganda tool by the Nazi regime, these Olympics were deeply marked by politics. Although the Games were technically well organized, the use of the event to promote Nazi ideology left a historical stain.
Moscow – 1980 - marked by the boycott of more than sixty countries led by the United States in protest the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, these Olympics had a reduced number of competitors and a tense political climate, which overshadowed the competition and generated unrepresentative sporting results.
Tokyo – 2020 (held in 2021) - due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Games were postponed and held without an audience, which generated an unprecedented atmosphere and a great economic loss for Japan. In addition, many Japanese opposed the event amid the health crisis, and the excessive cost, combined with the lack of tourism, generated a return below expectations.
Failures in Formula 1
McLaren MP4/18 - in 2003, McLaren developed the MP4/18, designed to replace the successful MP4/17. However, the car suffered from reliability and safety problems, leading the team to abandon the project before using it in any races.
Lamborghini in Formula 1 (1989–1993) - Lamborghini attempted to compete in Formula 1 as an engine supplier but faced mechanical failures and an engine that proved uncompetitive. After several years without remarkable results, the brand withdrew from Formula 1֍
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