5 Ways To Deal With Failure

Economist Tim Harford once said “ego is the enemy of innovation” when he was trying to explain that the world of success requires us to accept our mistakes and make corrections or even adapt so quickly. One reason why a lot of people do not achieve their desired success in life is the fear they have for failure. Sometimes, things take an entirely unexpected course that breaks all expectations and results in failure. Life is unpredictable and many times we keep wondering what we did wrong. In such situations, all our plans come to naught, and we are left depressed and most times, desperate.

It is better to come to realize that failure is a feedback, and it is not the end. Though failure comes with the feelings of disappointment, rejection, embarrassment, and many other negative emotions, it is not a sin to fail. We should remember that failure has its advantages; if you fail, then you understand the approach which does not work, and you get the opportunity to try something new.

“Don’t be embarrassed by your failures, learn from them and start again.”

- Richard Branson

It is very alright to fail; the only mistake we make most times after failing is our continuous waste of time and energy put into trying to cover up our failure. Whereas the best thing to do is; learn from your failures and go on to the next challenge. It is beneficial once we get to know that for success to happen, failure comes first.

Dealing with failure requires that you understand why you failed, how you failed and what exactly you did. Most times, you find that there were no flaws in the way you approached and executed your task. Here are 5 proven ways to deal with your failures:

Focus On the Right Goal

You might have had a goal before your encounter with failure, but not all goals are equal. The right goal with proper execution might be the remedy. Think about your goal again. Based on what you learned from your failure, you can re-adjust your goal . If you didn't have a specific goal in the first place, then you should find one before you do anything else. It has been proven that if you do not know where you are headed, you will probably end up somewhere you don’t like. If you are without a specific goal or perspective in your mind then, your life is meaningless. Success comes to those who dream, plan and work hard for it and you only get your hands on the prize if you have your eye on it.

Look to People Who Have Been There

You might have failed because you did not have the right mentorship. Hanging around with successful people; those that have once failed too, the right people will help overcome failure. Having a mentor is the best way to get closer to your rise from failure to victory.

Have a Positive Attitude

After your encounter with failure, you may need to go back and pay total attention to the attitude you had towards achieving your goal; did you really play by the rules you laid down? You should have a positive attitude and be ready for any successful moment. A positive attitude will give you the golden opportunity you seek. The right kind of attitude spells positivity, hope, and motivation in each and every aspect of life and is a sure shot factor that paves the way to success. Once you have the right kind of attitude; a positive one, your way forward will be clear, and you will accomplish your goals, and you are on your rise to victory.

Do Not Listen to the Naysayers

You should not let someone tell you that you cannot do something. They will come and say “oh! You’re at it again; aren’t you ashamed, you’ve failed twice already, why fail again?” If you have a dream, you need to protect it. Only those who can't do something themselves will tell you that you can't do it. When you want to live a life you love you have to work for it. What other people think about you is irrelevant. The only thing that really matters is what you think.

Move On and Believe in Yourself

You have to believe in yourself that you can eventually make it work. You have to be capable of facing the most difficult obstacles and failures. Dealing with failure, most times, requires self-motivation, will, and encouragement. You need to determine how much of these things you have to make the right changes. Don’t just think. Define what you believe your current rules for success are by reflecting on a time when you achieved the success you desired. What did you have to do and who did you need to be in order to get that success? Then go for it.

Richard Branson once said, “don’t be embarrassed by your failures, learn from them and start again.” Life is a game, make failing a part of that game if you want to win. The most important thing is your willingness to try again.