Fail, Fail Again, Fail Better: Wise Advice for Leaning into the Unknown

Fail, Fail Again, Fail Better originated as a commencement address Pema Chödrön delivered at Naropa University when her granddaughter was accepted there. The book explores how people typically respond to life's disappointments by viewing themselves as failures, and proposes an alternative perspective: that failure can be a direct path to becoming a more complete, loving, and fulfilled person. Drawing on insights from her own teachers and life experiences, Chödrön offers advice on facing the unknown—both within ourselves and in the wider world. She examines how missteps and setbacks can reveal new possibilities and purpose. The book is intended for her existing readers, recent graduates, and anyone navigating a significant life transition.