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Bored Panda

Entertainment

Ilona Baliūnaitė

40 Times A Task Failed Successfully, As Shared By This Online Community

Sometimes things go according to plan, which is great. Other times we fail miserably, but that’s okay, too. And then there are the rare cases when we fail successfully, typically not even knowing how, and often resulting in some rather comical situations.

Plenty of such instances are shared on the ‘Task Fail Successfully’ reddit community, which proves that not everything in life is as black and white as failing and succeeding. Scroll down to find some bizarre cases of these gray areas and enjoy a good giggle; or confusion.

On the list below you will also find Bored Panda’s interview with an expert in employee engagement, award-winning author and speaker, Eddie LeMoine, who was kind enough to answer a couple of our questions about the links between success and failure.

#1 Double Trouble

Image credits: rosseepoo

#2 She Spittin Straight Fax!

Image credits: Your1AfricanPrince

#3 I Guess I’ll Give It Another Try

Image credits: NFMonkey

Boasting over 14,000 members, the ‘Task Fail Successfully’ community shows that far from everything in life goes according to plan. Be that as it may, going off a set course a little might end up benefiting the person nevertheless.

“The journey toward success is rarely a straight path; it's often filled with unexpected turns and obstacles. When things don't go as planned, it can serve as a valuable learning opportunity,” author, speaker, and expert in employee engagement, Eddie LeMoine told Bored Panda in a recent interview. “This feedback mechanism—identifying what worked and what didn't—is crucial for personal and professional growth.”

#4 Failed Successfully: Cheating

Image credits: WaSSuP532

#5 Successfail Race

Image credits: bsm1379

“Our achievements sum up all experiences, including successes and failures. These varied experiences enrich our understanding and enhance our problem-solving skills,” LeMoine continued.

“In a world with countless variables and unpredictability, expecting plans to unfold without any hitches is impractical. What matters most is our ability to learn from these situations and adapt our strategies accordingly.

“This perspective encourages us to view failures not as setbacks but as integral steps toward achieving our goals. Each challenge presents a chance to refine our approach, making us more resilient and better equipped to tackle future challenges. Embracing this mindset transforms apparent 'failures' into stepping stones for success, ultimately contributing to our overall development and achievement.”

#6 My Bank Sent Me 28 Letters In The Mail To Inform Me I Have Opted Out Of Receiving Paper Statements

Image credits: ryanctag

#7 Successfail Pretender

Image credits: bsm1379

#8 Puzzle

Image credits: Tortillas56

Discussing the instances of things not going the way one expected them to, E. LeMoine pointed out that it's crucial to remember that the path to success is not always linear. “Although it can be disheartening not to achieve the desired results, these moments are ripe with opportunities for learning and growth. Each unexpected result provides valuable insights that can guide our future efforts, helping us adjust our strategies and improve our approach.

“Maintaining focus on our long-term goals is essential during these times. Setbacks are inevitable in any journey and should not deter us from our objectives. Instead, they should be viewed as temporary obstacles we can overcome with persistence and resilience,” the expert suggested, adding that we can navigate challenges more effectively by staying committed to our goals but flexible in our methods.

#9 Yes

Image credits: BlackoutORK

#10 Well Yes But Actually No

Image credits: Sad_Pocoyo

#11 But The Sign On The Wall Said

Image credits: flopsychops

The employee engagement expert believes that adapting our plans based on the lessons learned from setbacks and obstacles is critical to moving forward. “This adaptive approach allows us to refine our tactics and strategies, ensuring better preparation for future endeavors. This combination of learning from our setbacks, keeping our eyes on the prize, and being willing to make necessary adjustments will ultimately lead us to achieve our goals,” he told Bored Panda.

#12 Our Smoke Detector Caught Fire

Image credits: hugejourney

#13 I Guess That’s A Win

Image credits: idontknowanynamesohi

#14 Battle Of The Sign Successfails

Image credits: bsm1379

“Failing a task successfully” does not call for a special talent, as, according to LeMoine, failing in general is inevitable on one’s path to success. “It's a crucial part of the journey,” he said. “It's hard to find anyone who has achieved great things without facing setbacks. Even professional athletes who dedicate their lives to perfecting their skills and strive to minimize failure experience it. Their setbacks don't define their careers; they serve as catalysts for growth and improvement.

“If you're not failing, you're likely not pushing your boundaries or taking enough risks. Innovation and progress demand stepping into the unknown, where failure is possible. Like a child learning to walk, failure is not a signal to stop trying but a natural step towards mastering a new skill. We encourage children to keep trying despite numerous falls because perseverance leads to success. This principle applies equally to adults pursuing their goals.”

#15 Went Axe Throwing In Our Yard And Yeah…

Image credits: Soft-Ad-2652

#16 An Interesting Title

Image credits: HoobidyMcBoobidy

#17 After Accepting A Gift On Steam, Thanks For The Useful Information!

Image credits: boozygamerkc

According to the expert, recognizing that failure is part of the success equation allows us to approach challenges with a healthier mindset. “It's not about intentionally courting failure but understanding that when we aim high and stretch our capabilities, setbacks are part of the process. Each failure brings valuable lessons that refine our approach and make us stronger, wiser, and more resilient.”

LeMoine emphasized that embracing failure as a necessary component of success enables us to navigate our paths confidently and determinedly and teaches us vital lessons that pave the way to our ultimate achievements.

#18 Somewhere In Japan, Someone's Sprayer Got Broke Along The Handle

Image credits: sa547ph

#19 We Were Talking About Running

Image credits: Mauerk

#20 My Jar Of Salsa Broke Rather Practically

Image credits: Arnstone

While failing is an inevitable part of moving forward, many can attest that it gets frustrating at times, nevertheless, and requires loads and loads of patience.

“Patience, much like any emotion, exists on a spectrum,” LeMoine pointed out. “On one end, we find emotions driven by fear, such as anxiety and stress, and on the other, emotions fueled by positivity, like happiness, passion, and excitement. Losing patience tends to shift us towards the realm of fear, a place where achieving our goals becomes significantly more challenging.”

#21 Man Buys A Car With Cigarette Money Then Dies

Image credits: cur346457y76

#22 Different Kind Of Date

Image credits: bsm1379

#23 Another One

Image credits: aftersick

According to the expert, operating from a place of fear, anxiety, and stress can hinder our progress. That’s why when discussing tips for not losing one’s patience when things don’t go according to plan, he suggested working on shifting the emotional state towards the positive end of the spectrum.

“One effective way to do this is by practicing gratitude. Gratitude is an incredibly powerful emotion that can transform our outlook and emotional state, helping us to focus on what we have rather than what we lack.

“Additionally, focusing on your ultimate goal rather than the current setbacks is crucial,” LeMoine continued. “It's easy to become consumed by the frustration of not reaching your destination yet; it's important to remember that every step, even those that feel like missteps, is part of the journey toward your goal.”

#24 Went To Mcdonald’s And Ordered A Cheeseburger With Ketchup Only.. Well I Guess I Got What I Ordered

Image credits: sirLUL

#25 My GF Tried To Catch A Moth. It Was Easier Than Expected

Image credits: inetaaa-

#26 Light Connection

Image credits: Recent_Effective8070

“Tools like mindfulness, meditation, or simply taking a moment to reflect on what you're grateful for can significantly impact your emotional state, moving you away from fear and towards a mindset of positivity and resilience. This shift improves your well-being and enhances your ability to navigate challenges and progress toward your goals,” LeMoine told Bored Panda.

“Remember, the journey to success is seldom straightforward. Embracing this and learning to manage our emotional responses to setbacks can make all the difference in achieving lasting success and fulfillment.”