Yes, everyone fails at something in life, though that doesn’t mean you’re a “failure.” Failing or becoming a failure would include giving up and not taking something of value away from those experiences.
Each day we “fail” at something, either in our business or personal lives, though the key is taking advantage of those moments and using them as an opportunity to turn the dial just a bit each day to improve ourselves.
I’ve applied everything I’m recommending below…and still learning from my failures each day.
“I have missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I have lost almost 300 games. On 26 occasions I have been entrusted to take the game winning shot, and I missed. I have failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”
– Michael Jordan
Here are a few ways to mitigate moments of “failing” and use them as opportunities to both grow and drive future success:
1) Contemplate:
Think about what’s transpired and how you can mitigate or completely avoid similar circumstances moving forward.
Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
2) Support:
It’s imperative in all aspects of our lives we surround ourselves with people who will cheer us on when things are going well and cheer us up and onward when we suffer setbacks.
At the same time it’s important to share what’s transpired and clear our minds. Talking about it can help you sort it out and listen to other perspectives. This helps create bonds that can last a lifetime, and more importantly you can be there for support when those same individuals need you.
3) Opportunity:
Yes, and I know it’s unlikely (to say the least) any of us say, “Gee, I’m really happy that I got kicked in the teeth today”, though after we garner some clarity from whatever has transpired, it’s an opportunity to grow and propel us forward. Use it to fuel your internal fire moving forward.
4) Blame:
At times others do deserve some or most of the blame, though all we have control over is the part we played. It’s true, we can only control so much and it’s not helpful to beat ourselves up or otherwise attribute “failures” to our own personal weaknesses.
5) Flush It:
Take whatever’s useful and flush the rest right out of your mind. Dwelling on the negative only leads to personal and professional inertia. Move forward and start setting goals creating an improved present and successful future.
Summary:
“Failing” is inevitable, yet “Failure” is not.
As a recruiter I speak with people at their highest highs and lowest lows. I support them through the lows, all the while knowing as an objective observer they/we will find them another opportunity to succeed and grow.