The Monkey the Cat Podcast

"The Best Growth Often Happens After Failure" Episode 70

Don Fessenden Season 1 Episode 70

"Hey, fur-tastic friends. It’s Monkey, and today’s story is about something that doesn’t feel good at first…
 but can lead to some of the best lessons we’ll ever learn.

Today’s big truth?
 The best growth often happens after failure.

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Tyler:

"Hey, fur-tastic friends. It’s Monkey, and today’s story is about something that doesn’t feel good at first… but can lead to some of the best lessons we’ll ever learn. Today’s big truth? The best growth often happens after failure. Let me tell you about a time I failed—and what happened next.""I was SO excited for the neighborhood obstacle race. I had trained in the backyard—jumping, running, leaping from one potted plant to another. Teddy said I was fast. Brooklyn cheered me on. Even Olivf watched from her comfy windowsill. But on race day? Everything went… wrong. I tripped over the first hurdle. I missed the second tunnel entirely. And by the time I crossed the finish line, most of the others had already lapped me. Twice. I felt embarrassed. I even thought about quitting forever.‘Maybe I’m just not a racer,’ I muttered, hiding under the porch. But later that night, Dad came out with my favorite blanket. He didn’t say much—just sat beside me. Then he said something I’ll never forget:“The best things you’ll learn come right after you fall.” And he was right. The next day, I looked at the track differently. I noticed where I lost focus. I practiced slower. I asked for help. I watched how others ran. And slowly—step by step—I got better. Stronger. Smarter. I didn’t win the next race. But I finished it with my head high. And you know what? That felt even better than first place.""Failure is hard. It stings. But it’s not the end. It’s actually the doorway to growth. Growth in skill. Growth in courage. Growth in heart. So if you’ve ever messed up, lost, or fallen short… Don’t give up. Look up. Learn. Try again. Because the best version of you is still becoming. I’m Monkey, and I believe your failures can be your greatest teachers—if you’re brave enough to listen. Bye for now!"