--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Failing sucks. But it's better than the…" description: "\"Failing sucks. But it's better than the alternative.\" \"Which is?\" \"Not even trying.\" Now he did look at me, straight on. \"Life's short, you know?\" — Sa..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/376/sarah-dessen-110_alternatives_failing-sucks-but-it-s-better-than-the-a_2403171.png" --- # Failing sucks. But it's better than the alternative."… ![“Failing sucks. But it's better than the alternative." "Which is?" "Not even trying." Now he did look at me, straight on. "Life's short, you know?” quote by Sarah Dessen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/376/sarah-dessen-110_alternatives_failing-sucks-but-it-s-better-than-the-a_2403171.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/376/sarah-dessen-110_alternatives_failing-sucks-but-it-s-better-than-the-a_2403171.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/376/sarah-dessen-110_alternatives_failing-sucks-but-it-s-better-than-the-a_2403171.png) > “Failing sucks. But it's better than the alternative." "Which is?" "Not even trying." Now he did look at me, straight on. "Life's short, you know?” [Sarah Dessen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sarah-dessen/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Facing failure is painful, yet it is preferable to never attempting at all, because inaction guarantees no progress. **In simple terms:** Failure hurts but is better than never trying. Key Takeaway Embrace risk, even if it fails. Themes risk failure growth motivation Mood determined reflective Type motivational philosophical When to use this quote - career decisions - personal projects - creative endeavors - relationships Key Concepts psychology decision making resilience Questions to Reflect On - What fear holds you back from trying? - How can you reframe failure as learning? A Different Perspective Never trying guarantees stagnation and missed opportunities. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Failure](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/failure/) ## Related quotes > [“Failing sucks. But it's better than the alternative...not even trying...life's short.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sarah-dessen/failing-sucks-but-it-s-better-than-the-alternative-not-even-trying/) [Sarah Dessen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sarah-dessen/) > [Look. We both know life is short, Macy. 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