Failure is awesome.  It often gets a bad rap, but I like to sing its praises whenever I can. There are at least three reasons I can see why failure is a good thing.

First, failure is funny. I know I have wasted my fair share of time over at the Fail Blog. It’s amusing to watch fellow humans try so hard at something only to see them stymied. For some reason it reminds me of Camus’ take on absurdity.

Second, failure made us what we are today.  All life on earth is a testament to the generative power of failure.  The reason life succeeds so totally on earth is because it is constantly failing. Genetic mutations, failed copies of DNA, are the basis for evolution.  Life constantly fails to copy itself correctly. Often this results in an unsuccessful life form that dies out or cannot reproduce, but every once in a while a mutation may be for the better.  These failed copies allow life to flourish and adapt to changing environments. Failure in this case is a success.

Third, failure is scary but it helps us to succeed. Everyone has failed publicly.  Whether it is a botched solo in a choir concert or a bungled job interview, failure doesn’t feel too good.  But after that failure you’re changed. After tanking on the interview you figure out where you went wrong, or maybe you realize you are not cut out for public singing.  At least now you know.  Failure makes us stronger and more knowledgeable for next time.

The fear of failure often causes us to miss opportunities or holds us back from (eventually) doing great things. Failure is inevitable (as evidenced by the hundreds of pages on the Fail Blog). It is part of the human condition.  Since this is the case why not embrace failure? I am not saying to purposely fail, but don’t fear or get discouraged when you’re less than successful. Failure is healthy. It helps you evolve into a better person.

So go out there and fail, laugh about it, and don’t forget to take pictures and blog them.

Failure is an inevitable part of life.  Of course you are not going to be able to keep all your resolutions.  But the act of resolving, of renewing that commitment to better yourself is something I find very strengthening and energizing.  I know that I am a broken, disjointed human being with more faults and vices than I can count, but I also can see that I am getting better and moving in desirable directions.  To err is human, but to persist in trying to correct your errors is a better sort of human.

So a few resolutions I have come up with this year are:

• Stay better connected with friends – this should be easier with technology and social networking, but it only pays off what you put in.
• Improve my concentration – There is a lot of talk that the web is decreasing our ability to focus our energy on one task. I love the interwebs, but I also want to be able to have the ability to sustain my attention on one thing as well.  This will likely involve things like unplugging for a while, meditation, and reading.
• Eat better – I think I always have this one.  Probably because I eat so terribly around the holidays.  I would like to increase my vegetable intake and maybe have some fun with it: like trying out recipes with vegetables I rarely or never eat.  What even is Kohlrabi?

There will likely be some level of failure on these, but that is not the point.  Almost two years ago I quit smoking.  I don’t think I made a stated resolution to do it, but it was around the turn of the year.  The spirit of wanting to become something better, something more, is alive and vibrant this time of year.  What are you resolving to do to make yourself better?

• I learned that technology is not frightening and out of reach for me. I took an Information Architecture Class that introduced me to XHTML and CSS and since then I realized that I can actually create web pages and make computers do my bidding. Library School introduced me to a whole new world using emerging technologies and empowered me to create things and learn more.
• I have gained confidence in my public speaking ability and my teaching skills due to a practicum in which I designed and taught numerous library instruction classes. I can now conduct classes and speak in front of groups with much more ease. I have improved on my presentation skills which will be very useful to me in searching for a job.
• I have been introduced to the important issues and debates going on in Library Science such as the issue of Open Access or the debate about MARC records. I have a lot more knowledge about the field as well as tools available to me to learn more should I want to.
• I am much more knowledgeable now about copyright law and fair use. I understand how things like electronic reserves, course packets, and interlibrary loans work in terms of copyright. I also understand about other copyright issues such as fair use or licenses. I think that this is fundamental to any library education.
• I have gained a strong network of people whom I can contact about various issues that come up later in my career. If I have a question about cataloging I have multiple places to turn. If I need a reference that can vouch for my instruction skills I know people. The relationships that I have built are just as important as the knowledge that I have gained here.

Library school has been a good experience. It has also been productive. I have gained a lot of new knowledge, but I have also grown as a person. I have changed a lot since I have come here to Madison, and for the most part it has been for the better. Even if library school gave me nothing else, it gave me the opportunity to grow into a more complete person.

Power Napping – Ririan Project : This site legitimizes one of my favorite pastimes.

How to Slow Down Now – Zen Habits : Life is often at breakneck speed…try taking things a bit slower.

Tea ‘healthier’ drink than water – BBC : Of course the Brits would say that. Still I enjoy the stuff, and now I know it gives me superpowers.

Increase Manly Confidence – The Art of Manliness : This blog is a good one. Interesting posts from Teddy Roosevelt to shaving like a man.

How to Become an Early Riser – Steve Pavlina : This one I haven’t quite implemented yet. But once I do – productivity here I come!