Failure is one of the most difficult things to handle in life, as it triggers a range of emotions and throws the mind completely out of control. The world seems to collapse and one is flung into a state of shock, disbelief and disillusion.
I have often heard people around me say:
“My daughter could not come first in class this time and is extremely unhappy and depressed.”
“My child was not selected for the competition from school so he is driving me up the wall with his wailing and anxiety.”
“My son could not win the race and he is angry and embarrassed; he is throwing a fit!”
When these children grow up to be adults, they are unable to figure out what to do when the world of reality hits them. As parents, the most important lesson that one can give one’s child and oneself is how to handle failure.
Failures are bound to happen. So be prepared!
We grow when we learn to fail well, i.e. when we handle failure better. I have adopted a series of shields to cope with failure.
- Accepting that I have failed; accepting the emotions running through my mind; taking in the complete gamut of feelings
- Analyzing the reason for the failure. A failure always brings with it a lesson and understanding that lesson is important; that is what triggers me towards the next steps
- Reiterating my strengths and repeating them to myself over and over again, until the mind is convinced that I am now taking charge
- Introspecting on next steps and formulating an action plan looking at various options available to me…it is never the end of the world!
- Propelling myself forward to move on in life, full of spirits and with my head held high…I am in charge!
“Never let success go to your head and never let failure go to your heart” – Ziad K. Abdelnour, author of Economic Warfare.
Go ahead and meet failure full on!
Go to the next topic Day 18: Letting Go.
Recap all previous posts of the 21 Days Mind Workout:
Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5, Day 6, Day 7,
Day 8, Day 9, Day 10, Day 11, Day 12, Day 13, Day 14,
Mindzamaze 