Jim’s Take Episode 150: The Philosophy of Failure — Are You Even Dreaming Big Enough?

New York | Global Coaching | Personal Growth | Business Mindset

Description

Failure isn’t real. Not like you think it is.

In episode 150 of Jim’s Take, executive coach Jim Frawley tackles one of the most misunderstood concepts in business, personal development, and life: failure.

Is failure actually what you’re afraid of—or is it what people will think when you fail?

This episode dives deep into:

Why our definition of failure might be sabotaging our ambition

The real fear behind perceived failure: social judgment

How identity, self-worth, and external validation tie into risk-taking

Why trying—and being seen trying—is more powerful than outcome

How to redefine failure on your terms so you can finally move forward

This isn’t your typical motivational talk. It’s a philosophical, brutally honest exploration of why you may not be dreaming big enough—and what it takes to stop playing small.

Keywords

failure philosophy, growth mindset, emotional risk, overcoming fear of failure, executive coach podcast, Jim Frawley, NYC coach, authentic leadership, why people fear failure, how to redefine success, Carol Dweck mindset, fear of judgment, self-worth and ambition, mental performance, try and fail, coaching podcast 2025, public failure, risk tolerance growth, purpose-driven living

Topics Covered

[00:00] Why episode 150 matters—and why we’re talking failure

[02:15] Are you really afraid of failure—or just of being seen failing?

[06:40] How we define failure (and why most people never actually do)

[10:05] Emotional risk and what’s really stopping you

[15:30] Failure and identity: who’s writing your success script?

[20:45] Growth mindset and the power of “yet” (Carol Dweck insight)

[24:30] External validation vs. internal motivation

[28:55] Micro-risks: how small moves can change everything

[32:40] Why “not trying” is the real failure

[35:20] A new framework: define your success, own your effort

[38:45] Final challenge: what would you do if no one was watching?

Mentioned in This Episode

Carol Dweck’s “Mindset” – The psychology of success and the power of “yet”

Bill Burr’s commentary on who really gets to be called a failure

Real-life coaching insights from Jim's experience with high-performers