I think failure is nothing more than life's way of nudging you that you are off course. My attitude to failure is not attached to outcome, but in not trying. It is liberating. Most people attach failure to something not working out or how people perceive you. This way, it is about answering to yourself.

Certainly! Here’s an explanation of the quote with bolded keywords:

This quote by Sara Blakely offers a refreshing perspective on the concept of failure. She describes failure not as an end or a negative judgment but as a subtle nudge from life indicating that one might be off course. This reframing encourages seeing failure as a natural and useful part of the journey, rather than something to fear or avoid.

Blakely’s attitude toward failure focuses less on the outcome itself and more on the importance of trying. To her, the real failure lies in not making an effort at all. This mindset is liberating because it frees people from the pressure of external judgments and societal expectations, allowing them to pursue their goals with courage and honesty.

She also highlights how most people associate failure with either things not working out or with others’ perceptions. In contrast, Blakely’s view shifts the focus inward—failure becomes a personal matter of answering to yourself and maintaining integrity with your own efforts and values.

The origin of this quote reflects Blakely’s entrepreneurial journey and her belief in resilience. As the founder of Spanx, she faced many challenges and setbacks but maintained this empowering outlook, which helped her persist and innovate. Her words inspire embracing failure as a valuable guide rather than a definitive defeat.