A failed attempt can still move knowledge permanently forward.

An attempt that fails still produces knowledge, and that knowledge does not expire. You now know something about what does not work, which narrows the space for everyone who comes after, including you. The outcome was negative; the information is permanent.

When something you tried does not work, write down what you learned before the memory fades, and keep it somewhere you will find it. Treat the failure as having bought you something. The purchase is only wasted if you throw away what it delivered.