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The first type of failure stems from just not caring. This seems pretty straightforward, but it’s not always what meets the eye. I recently read a blog about how millennials may not succeed because failure is an option, that we’re not forced to be self-sufficient. Is everyone who moves back home really a selfish wreck who prefers a parasitic life to one of independence? Somehow I doubt this. This broad stereotype is hardly the norm, and you’ll find that those who move home generally fall into two categories. This makes all the difference in the world, that between having a purpose as opposed to taking the easy way out.

Even without becoming a parasite as the example described, it’s easy to fall into the trap of the first type of failure on a less extreme level; I see this type as being complacent. Playing it safe all the time or letting the world happen to you instead of going after what you want is failure. It seems strange, but you don’t actually have to fail at anything to do this, in fact, NOT doing something is the real shame. It hardly fits the typical mold of “failure” but wasting our ideas and potential is pretty sad.

On the flip side, I would argue that what we often label openly as “failing” signals just the opposite. Rarely is it easy to look at the positive elements when we fail by going out on a limb with new ideas (that don’t work) or attempt to be self-sufficient (and we find out we need support) but it’s the fact that we tried that matters. Is the attempt itself good enough? No! However, behind most great ideas are many failed attempts. The key is learning from what went wrong the first time so it doesn’t happen again, and absolutely not giving up. Then you build a much stronger foundation going forward, not to mention a clearer vision of what you need to do in order to find success.

Go ahead, fail miserably. Just make sure you fail forward with a purpose. Instead of falling into complacency, take something of value away from every negative situation (especially if you got yourself there) and it will make you wiser next time around.

It’s simple advice, really. Most of us want to find success in our careers. The definition of “success” differs from person to person, but we all have goals in mind. Our level of effort can drive success and is important to get from Point A to Point B, but how is it possible to create a career that grows constantly?

Obviously our effort must be maintained, and Seth Godin puts this best, explaining how we create our own “luck.” The essential element to continual success builds off effort: never get comfortable. Whatever effort you’re currently giving, it’s critical to ask yourself, “What next?” Building your career requires constant assessment and evolution. It makes sense; to keep your career moving, you have to keep moving!

So if you spend time reading, networking, blogging, studying, or in general creating the career you want, you’re already well on your way with effort. Now is the time to ask yourself that simple question “What next?” and start finding ways to evolve.

It’s common knowledge that connecting with people is critical to attaining goals. Connecting within an organization is a key element to leadership success as John C. Maxwell so wisely advises in his “21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership.” From my experience though, creating the connection without seeing “what’s in it for me” becomes a roadblock for students and professionals alike.

Oddly enough, that mentality is backwards and hinders the relationship-building. It’s easy enough to talk about yourself, but establishing a real connection is a two-way street. Most of us have people we love to be around not only because they’re our friends, but because of their genuine interest. It goes back to what my Dad always told me growing up – people love the sound of their own name – it’s simple to remember and is entirely true. If you’re genuinely interested, ask questions, and maybe even remember their name, they are more likely to be interested in what you have to say. This is the pillar many miss in the concept: Make it a conversation, not a monologue.