Failure has all the makings to be a four-letter word, if we disregard the number of letters.
The act of failure is defined as “the condition or fact of not achieving the desired end or ends.” It is the one thing we all do everything in our power to avoid.
I’m here to tell you failure is inevitable. You have failed before, and you will fail again.
However, this is a difficult perspective to accept. No one, me included, wants to fail. In fact, my tendency to strive for perfection makes the possibility of failure not an option.
When we do fail, it comes when we least expect it. It can come in the form of a bad letter grade on a test or an inability to reach a personal standard.
I am definitely guilty of dwelling on my failures rather than celebrating my successes. However, I read an article recently from Self Growth called The Secret of Changing Your Perception Of Failure to Overcome Low Self-Esteem.
The article touched on the importance of learning from your personal failures. It is human nature to get down on yourself when something does not go your way, but your reaction to your personal failure is more indicative of the situation than the actual failure.
Failure is not something to avoid; it is something to embrace as a learning experience, and a motivator for the future. One of my friends often says, “I don’t fail. I postpone success.” Failure does not eliminate the possibility of success; it just makes the journey take a little longer.
I once heard someone say that if your having a bad day, assess that situation in comparison of what you consider to be the worst days of your life. Does your current situation reach the same level of severity to qualify as one of your worst days?
Chances are, the failures we think are the end of the world, and that most damage the way we view ourselves, are small, insignificant bumps in the road. So, here is what to do when you fail.
Accept It.
Life happens. Sometimes there are things that are out of control that occur and delay your success (notice I didn’t say “make you fail).
Move on.
Life goes on. It’s that simple. Your attitude will affect your trajectory, so spend less time dwelling on the “what ifs” and move past what has happened.
Learn from It.
Use what the experience had taught you. Take the time to reflect on the situation and how you can apply that experience in the future.