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Failing Forward . . Growth Mindset

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Akin Fadare
Community Champion
Ontario, Canada
Over the past year, I’ve poured my heart into preparing for the PMI-RMP exam. Sleepless nights, endless practice questions, countless mentorship conversations, and hours of study became part of my routine. I gave it everything I could.

After my third attempt, I didn’t pass—but this time, it was by a very narrow margin with of one domain needing improvement. That moment hit me harder than I expected. I questioned whether all the effort was worth it. But after stepping back and reflecting, I’ve realized that failure—even one that comes so close to success—is still part of the journey.

Each attempt has built my resilience, strengthened my understanding of risk management, and taught me more about perseverance than any book could.
I’m not giving up. I’m preparing to tackle the exam again next year—with fresh energy, deeper focus, and the continued support of mentors and friends who believe in me even when I struggle to believe in myself.

To anyone struggling silently after a near miss: I see you. Please keep going.
I’d love to hear from you: How did you bounce back from failure? What helped you close that final gap? Let’s normalize setbacks and keep failing forward.





 
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Akin Fadare
Community Champion
Ontario, Canada
Aug 06, 2025 4:23 AM
Replying to Syed Ashir Riaz
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@Akin Fadare Your honesty and resilience are truly inspiring. It takes real courage to keep going after a setback, especially one so close to the finish line. Every attempt has clearly made you stronger, and your journey reflects the true spirit of professional growth. You’ve already achieved something powerful by owning the process and sharing it so openly. Cheering you on for your next try—you’ve got this! 💪
Thank you for the word of encouragement Syed Ashir Riaz. I do sincerely appreciate it.
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Akin Fadare
Community Champion
Ontario, Canada
Aug 24, 2025 8:08 AM
Replying to TAIWO POPOOLA
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Akin Fadare , this speaks to more of resilience and focus. I have many PMI certifications but not all of them have been passed at the first attempt. My certification badges that people admire today have behind it, several moments of struggle and sacrifice but at the end it has given me many wins across, beyond, and above my "expectations". In addition, the knowledge I gained through my certification journey (still in progress) has transformed my career trajectory and personal growth.

Another experience is on project outcome: I have led one failed project in the past and have also had opportunity of recovering 4 troubled intercontinental projects within the last 8 years. This has improved my diverse experience and perspective view of failed projects.

Focus, Resilience, and Continuous improvement get me going so far throughout the journey.

Regarding your PMI-RMP exam, let us have a further discussion on ensuring success at the next attempt.

Thank you for sharing this with me. I really appreciate your openness about the journey behind your certifications and projects—it’s encouraging to hear the reality behind the badges and the lessons that come from both wins and setbacks. Your experience with recovering troubled projects especially stands out; it shows exactly the resilience and perspective I want to build into my own practice. You have a very rich portfolio. Keep it up! I’d be glad to continue the discussion on my PMI-RMP exam. I will definitely reach out some months before the exam. Thanks for offering to help. Also, learning from your approach to focus, resilience, and continuous improvement would be really valuable as I prepare for the next attempt. Talk to you soon!

Akin
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Pedro Perez Capote

Hey Akin,
Sorry to hear you're having a tough time with the RMP exam. I can imagine how frustrating it must be after three attempts. Honestly, it's a bit discouraging for me too, since I’m currently preparing for it.



I’ve done a few PMI certifications myself, so I know these exams aren’t easy. My advice? Take the exam when you feel ready. It’s not about being 100% sure—it’s more of a gut feeling that you’re in a good place with your prep. You know what I mean.



And don’t forget, failing is just part of the process. It's tough in the moment, but it’s how we learn and grow. Keep going—resilience comes from pushing through.



Wishing you all the best. You’ve got this!
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