Failure is possibly one of the best things that can happen to you! I'm sure somewhere in the back of your mind, you're probably saying a few choice words about this statement! And that's perfectly fine! I understand because I've said the same things AND much more. But let me share why I strongly feel this way.
My son, Myles, has ridden a skateboard for years. He has fallen so many times that they know him on a first name basis at our local urgent care facility. One doctor told him he needed to find a new hobby. But of course, his passion still drives him to the park every week. Although he started out very skaky, each time he's fallen he learned something about his performance. He often came home and told me about what he needed to do differently, right before he headed to the kitched to grab an ice pack!
Although failure may be one of those necessary evils, it doesn't mean that you've lost. But it's how you view this dynamic that can make all the difference in the world. No one actually looks forward to "NOT" succeeding. This is not a highly anticipated, joyful, or exciting life event. However, it happens to the very best of us.
My greatest accomplishments have been highlighted in my failures. I'm sure that's not exactly what you'd expect to hear. But it's my personal truth. Because it was during my seasons of not succeeding that encouraged me to take a deeper observation of what needed to change in my life. I left my position with a reputable company to branch out and start my own. However, I didn't consider the enormous amount of wisdom and hard work that would be required to make it work. These challenges have pushed me to increase my knowledge and to pay more attention to the small details. It has afforded me the opportunity to build a resilience that I didn't have before.
Each time I failed, I also learned. Each time I failed, I also kept trying. And the process has motivated me to be greater. I'm a better person and professional because of all the things I didn't get right the first time around. And for that, I'm truly grateful.
In essence, we should not fear failing. What we should fear is the paralyzing belief that we can't become a better version of ourselves. Capture every moment...good or bad. And allow these opportunities to be building blocks leading to your success. Open your hearts and listen to every lesson the situation is trying to teach you. It will enlighten you if you embrace it like a friend. Hardships are simply opportunities for us to shift. Maybe we need to go higher. Maybe we need to turn left instead of right. Whatever the case may be, failure is there to help you grow. It's just like you've heard a million times before about making lemonade out of lemons. But it's up to you to decide if you're willing.