Fail Joyfully: The Art of Messing Up

It’s that time of year again, resolutions, goal-setting, big plans for the year ahead. Many of us start with good intentions, only to stumble along the way. Maybe you miss a workout, forget to meditate, or procrastinate on a project you promised yourself you would start. Failing does not mean giving up. It means learning, experimenting, and finding new ways forward.

In improv, we often talk about embracing mistakes, or as I like to say, failing joyfully. Mistakes happen, decisions don’t always go as planned, and things can end up somewhere completely different from where we hoped. If we let those moments stop us, that is when we truly fail. But if we keep moving, pivot, or adapt, there is no wrong move. Every unexpected turn is an opportunity to explore, create, and build something new. This same mindset can transform how we approach New Year’s resolutions.

Failing joyfully means leaning into mistakes with curiosity instead of shame. It means noticing what didn’t work, asking why, imagining fresh possibilities, and maybe even finding some humour in it. Sometimes a resolution isn’t failing at all. It's guiding you toward a different approach or helping you discover what works best for you.

The next time you stumble, remember the improv principle of yes, and. Accept the reality of the moment and then explore what comes next. Get back on the horse, try a new strategy, and stay curious.

Progress is not about perfection. It is about showing up, learning, and finding joy in the unexpected.

Written by Delaney Gilmour, Head of Operations & Marketing