Seeing Beyond Failure

When planning goals, often we consider what successes are required in order to reach them. In these plans, we favor success, and consider that failure is not an option. Failure shows that we were unable to complete our task. Failure shows that success was not possible, and is not possible. We see failure as an intimidating aspect of our lives. We want to avoid it as much as possible. We leave no room for it, as it should not happen. We see failure and success as incompatible, you can’t have one with the other.

The truth is much more complicated than that.

Consider someone who you see as successful. When you think about this person, it is likely you see their successes, but not their failures. It is natural for us to project our successes, and hide our failures. Most people are not ready to share stories of how they failed, and are often ashamed by them.

The fact of the matter is that these pictures of successful people without failure is unrealistic. It isn’t anywhere close to the reality of life. We aren’t born with the skills, talents, and abilities that we have today. Every skill that you use on a daily basis was developed over trial and error.

To be able to see passed failure, you must respond to it appropriately. There are two considerations that are helpful when approaching failure.