Do you love to fail?

I was reminded today about one of my favorite topics….and it applies whole-heartedly to the process of learning web 2.0 technology. 

So, a few questions for you:

What is more effective when trying to get a result, research and determination of the best path to get the result, or, do just a little research, try something, and then when it doesn't work, try something else?

I propose that although the researching and finding a 90% probability path seems like it would be most expedient, when working with learning and using technology, the method of trial and error is actually best. 

I recently acquired a plug-in for a website…..downloaded it, copied the downloaded folder to my "plugins" folder, turned on the plugin in my website's plugin menu and we were good to go.  I was able to easily set up the plugin for use….until it suggested that I alter my sidebar.php file.  When I went into the Bluehost code editor for the file, I found a statement from Semiologic…..do not edit this file…it is customized….etc… 

So, being the curious type, I ignored the Semiologic warning, copied the add'l suggested lines into the file, saved it and then looked at my website.  The new plugin was overlapping some of my other sidebar items.  So, I went back into the sidebar.php removed the changes I had made and resaved the file. 

So, no harm done, but everytime, I work with the Wordpress files and the plugin files for our site, I learn something new.  The good thing is that the structure of Wordpress is so logical and consistent that if you make a change and want to put things back, it is simple to do…..so it is a perfect platform for a "trial and error" lover like me.   I will use this new plugin that I like on a website on which I do not need to use Semiologic and find an alternative for my Semiologic site.

So, I thought I would remind myself and anyone who chooses to read this post……about the principles of the great inventors…..and a few great leaders.

" I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work."         Thomas Edison

"Failure defeats losers, failure inspires winners" - Robert T. Kiyosaki, author, entrepreneur, investor

"Every worthwhile accomplishment, big or little, has its stages of drudgery and triumph; a beginning, a struggle and a victory" - Mahatma Gandhi, political and spiritual leader

So, try this: Look forward to "failure".  it will not be failure, but will be learning that will ultimately help you achieve success.   Barb Reindl