I have a phrase by Robert F. Kennedy that has hung by my desk for over a decade: “Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.”

It has been a consistent reminder that change and great success cannot be achieved without taking risks.

However, I have often struggled with the contradictory definitions of failure. I have also seen how others are pulled between failure as the “F word” – the failing grade that represents the lowest possible mark, and failure as a stepping stone to success. How can it be both? Especially in schools, where an F means repeating, being “held back,” and not progressing forward.

This mixed view creates a real challenge. Perhaps the solution is to break free from the F word altogether. We must rethink familiar phrases such as “fail forward,” “fail fast, fail often,” “celebrate failure,” and “failure is part of success.” When failure carries such a negative connotation and strong link to grades, maybe it’s time to find new language.

Instead, let’s “learn forward,” “experiment quickly and often,” “celebrate growth,” and embrace the idea that “challenges are part of success.”

If we reframe our language around not getting it right the first time – or second, or third – we might recognize the perseverance that accompanies growth. When we accept the reality that we learn through resistance, when we must think through a challenge or solve a complex problem, we can honor the work it takes to succeed. If we can reframe the process of learning to embrace challenges, growth, and setbacks, then we can help those who are so afraid of failure that they avoid taking risks, challenging themselves, or diving into new projects.