Make failure work for you

Failure happens - let us accept it. All of us eventually fail at something, at some point in time. It is a part of life. It is proof that we are alive, that we are attempting something. We should stop associating negative connotations with failure. Failure is not the end, it is not final. It is merely a bend in the journey.

In order to set failure in perspective, read these famous words from someone who overcame failure and achieved spectacular success:

“It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all — in which case, you fail by default” — J.K. Rowling

The best way to overcome failure is to see it as a stepping stone, a necessary detour on your journey. When you come across failure, view it with a positive lens and identify what you can gain from the experience. Failure can be extremely valuable if we view it with the right perspective, as depicted below:

· Failure builds resilience in us. And as long as we decide to persevere, failure makes us stronger and braver

· Failure makes us humane. It makes us realize that life is a blend of ups and downs and that both are essential to make life worth living

· Failure leads us to newer paths. When we analyse our failures and try another route, we stumble onto more lucrative journeys

· Failure makes our lives and our stories exciting. Think of any famous person you know and admire, and you will realize that all of them overcame failure, dealt with it and eventually emerged successful

I urge you to think of your journey and reflect on your failures. How did they shape your life and your personality? How did they influence your trajectory? Did any of your failures eventually turn out to be blessings in disguise? I am sure all of us can recount atleast one failure which eventually set us on the right track.

Here’s my take on failure:

“Everyone encounters failure, but getting defeated is your prerogative”

· When you fail, confront it, accept it, analyse it and talk about it. Don’t let failure defeat or discourage you.

· Get up and try again. Believe that the failure was meant to teach you a lesson. It was meant to show you a better way forward. So, decide on a strategy and restart.

· Look for the positives. Everything, including failure could have a positive side or an opportunity hidden within it. Look for the opportunity and leverage it to try something new

I agree that failure doesn’t feel good. It does hurt but realize that the pain is temporary, and you have control over how long you let it hurt you. So, mull over it for a while, but after that, get up and get going with a renewed sense of purpose.