I've been following Seth Godin for many a moon now, and he publishes at least 2-3 posts per month about failure. I usually interpret his writings on this topic in relation to large and significant initiatives...big risks (like starting your own business) and big efforts (like taking responsibility for a critical and highly visible work project). The lessons from large-scale failures are certainly valid, but they are also interesting to consider at a much smaller scale. Over the course of 2011, I've initiated several small projects. All of them have been failures. And all of them have been more than worthwhile.

Early in the year, I purchased a new camera to explore a subject that I've connected with for a long time, photography. With a baby on the way, I had even more incentive to take it up. Since I've started, I've taken a total of 2 shots that I'm pleased with. Would you call that a success? Maybe. But what about the other 5k bad photos that I've taken?

And then there's this blog...my third such effort. My commitment level has been relatively high, which I am pleased about. But a success? Nope. I had a vision for the project, the aesthetic and implementation of which I haven't been able to get right.

But with failure comes insight and understanding. The lessons are immense, even from the most minute of exercises like taking a terrible photograph. Which is why I stick with them. I will continue to take bad photographs in 2012. And I will continue to tweak, evolve, and likely completely redo my blog in 2012. I'll surely fail again. I've even got a new project, learning how to draw, on the cards for the coming year. Is that even possible as I stare age 40 in the face? Probably not. 2012 is a green field for achieving these and other failures. And I can't wait for them. What failures will you achieve?