There are many times when failure can feel like the end of the world. Whether it’s a relationship, a job or a personal endeavor, experiencing failure can be discouraging and make you feel like giving up. However, it’s important to remember that failure is a natural part of life and it’s how we bounce back from it that truly matters. In this blog, we’ll explore ways to overcome the feeling of failure.
Learn from your Mistakes
No one is perfect, and we all make mistakes. However, it’s important to use these mistakes as learning opportunities. According to Forbes1, learning from your mistakes can help you grow as a person and figure out what you can do differently in the future. Take some time to reflect on what went wrong and what you could’ve done differently. By doing so, you’re not only becoming more self-aware, but you’re also arming yourself with the knowledge to do better next time.
Surround Yourself with Positivity
When we experience failure, it’s easy to fall into a negative headspace. However, surrounding yourself with positivity can help shift your mindset. According to Psychology Today2, being surrounded by positivity can help you develop a more optimistic outlook on life. It’s important to seek out friends and family members who are supportive and encouraging. By doing so, you’re creating an environment where you can thrive and feel motivated despite any setbacks.
Set Realistic Expectations
When we fail, it’s natural to feel like we’re not good enough or that we didn’t live up to expectations. However, it’s important to remind ourselves that those expectations may not have been realistic to begin with. According to Harvard Business Review3, setting realistic expectations can help us avoid disappointment and help us stay motivated. By setting achievable goals, we’re giving ourselves room to grow and enabling ourselves to experience success. Try to set goals that are challenging but achievable. This can help you build momentum and develop a sense of accomplishment, which can improve your confidence and motivation.
Seek Support
Finally, it's important to seek support when you're feeling like a failure. Talking to a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional can help you process your feelings and develop strategies for overcoming them. Additionally, joining a support group or seeking out a mentor can help you connect with others who have experienced similar struggles and can offer advice and encouragement
How can Mea Centre help? We offer compassionate non-judgement peer support for anyone who needs support. For moms who might be feeling like a failure we offer a perinatal support group where you can come and meet with other moms and find support and encouragement. You are not alone. Come and check out The Fueling Station to get connected.
In conclusion, failure is a natural and inevitable part of life. However, how we choose to react to failure is what matters in the long run. By learning from our mistakes, surrounding ourselves with positivity, setting realistic expectations and seeking support, we can overcome the feeling of failure and continue to strive towards our goals. Remember, failure is not the end of the road, it's just a detour on the way to success.
By: Elizabeth, Executive Director
Sources:
- "Forbes." Five Reasons Why You Need To Fail To Succeed. Feb 5, 2015.
- "Psychology Today." The Power of Positivity. Apr 9, 2014.
- "Harvard Business Review." Set Realistic Goals to Get Ahead. Sept 11, 2018.