Fail Better

[der meister 3,197]

I've been thinking a lot about failure lately, as both my world and the larger environment seems to be full of them. Failure is not always a bad thing, even if it feels like it in the moment. A few days ago I came across David Duchovny's podcast, "Fail Better", which almost comes across as an Alcoholics Anonymous-style step towards forgiveness, but is also a fascinating introspection. I think every one of us could learn to Fail Better, to find the silver lining in our shortcomings, to use failure to actually grow as individuals, to create a more perfect union, if you'll pardon the misappropriated quote.

 

On a micro level in my life, the D.C. Dragons are a failure. My hope was that we'd be around 6th in the North American Conference at the end of this season, demonstrating growth and all that sort of thing. Instead, we're at the bottom of the N.A. table, only better than the abysmal London United [who, if I recall correctly, have a win over us this season]. A 12-45-3 record at the time of writing this piece, is obviously an enormous failure, even if Shevchenko's individual performance is perfectly acceptable for a sophomore player, just under a point-per-game. The team has a tremendous amount of work to do, but I am cautiously optimistic that several of our prospects step onto D.C. ice next season and help us turn this ship around. Success does not come overnight, not in the VHL nor in life outside the screen. Dedication, fortitude, patience; attributes that can be strengthened by learning to Fail Better, are the key to sustainable progress, and ultimate success.

 

On a larger scale is my job, something that I once loved and now cannot wait to rid myself of. The failure of my supervisor to support me, to set me up for any kind of success, upon my promotion is one it's going to take a long time for me to process. I have a serious sense of betrayal with the way the past 12 months have played out. There is failure on my part, as well, most notably in my blind naivete that I could make it work despite being undercut before even accepting the position. Hubris, pride, call it what you will - I have failed, even if the majority of the blame cannot rightfully be placed at my feet.

 

My unhappiness with the way my life has gone the past few years and my entry into true 'midlife' led me to starting my YouTube channel with the idea of leaving something behind for my kids to watch, to hear their father's voice, should anything unfortunate happen to me. I've put a lot of work into this channel, and after 18 months I have surpassed the 320 subscriber mark. It's not something I'm able to monetize at this point in time, but having that as a secondary goal to the aforementioned concept of legacy has given me somewhat of a sense of purpose. Seconding that is my writing career, and my decision to finally self-publish my debut novel, barring some unforeseen miracle of an offer. As of right now, the targeted release date for the novel is July 1st, 2025. I did a little experimentation with AI art for a book cover concept, which I will include below. I want to be able to support myself without the need for sabotaging supervisors and childish political ploys. I want to live my life the way I want for a change, and I don't think I'd have reached this point if I weren't learning to Fail Better.
 

 

[BOOM 8,757]

[BOOM 8,757]

Support your local Youtuber!

 

https://www.youtube.com/@AlexIsgAEming

[der meister 3,197]

1 hour ago, BOOM said:

Support your local Youtuber!

 

https://www.youtube.com/@AlexIsgAEming

 

Far too kind, my friend

[BOOM 8,757]

[OrbitingDeath 3,194]

13 hours ago, BOOM said:

Support your local Youtuber!

 

https://www.youtube.com/@AlexIsgAEming

I never really sub or actually watch youtube, but made an exception for you DM  

[der meister 3,197]

Just now, OrbitingDeath said:

I never really sub or actually watch youtube, but made an exception for you DM  

 

Thanks dude. I really appreciate it!

[BOOM 8,757]

14 hours ago, der meister said:

 

Thanks dude. I really appreciate it!

 

Remember the little people like us, when you become the next sensation. Just don't turn into the next Jake Paul!

[OrbitingDeath 3,194]

2 hours ago, BOOM said:

 

Remember the little people like us, when you become the next sensation. Just don't turn into the next Jake Paul!

You want him to fight Tyson and not rig the fight? What has he ever done to you to deserve that amount of pain?

[BOOM 8,757]

Alex has always come across as a man who can handle adversity. Plus he could always just run around the ring until Mike loses his breath.

[der meister 3,197]

1 hour ago, BOOM said:

Alex has always come across as a man who can handle adversity. Plus he could always just run around the ring until Mike loses his breath.

 

I dunno, man. My cardio is trash. But I also have practically no ego so I wouldn't get myself into a situation like that to begin with.