Failure into Success - The Phenomenon

Why are some people more successful than others? While good luck, hard work and being smart certainly help, there is one distinct trait that differentiates them from others. And that is, they know how to convert failure into the proverbial stepping stone to success. Be it your finances or your personal life, being able to recover from failure is crucial for both survival and excellence.



Here’s how to overcome failure and head for success.



Think of it as a set back, not a failure

The term failure has a "final" ring to it. It has a lot of negative connotations attached to it since the beginning of time. Instead, think of what you just faced as a temporary setback. When you change your perspective, the whole thing starts to diminish and it becomes a lot easier to pick up the pieces and move on.



Acknowledge it, but don’t dwell on it

In order to be able to move on, you need to face your setbacks. Do what you have to, to acknowledge it. Punch the wall. Lock yourself in the bathroom and cry your heart out. Go for a jog. Do whatever that works for you. But once done, leave it behind and move on.



Do not give in to self doubts

This is the time self doubts will assault you in full force. But doubting yourself will not achieve anything. Instead of giving in to self doubts and losing your self esteem, turn it into constructive criticism and think of it as an opportunity to improve.



Do not play the blame game

Nothing will come out of a blame game. You will find temporary relief, but unless you determine what the problem was, fixing the blame on someone or something, does not resolve anything. Don’t beat yourself up either – that’s just tantamount to blaming yourself. Go after the solution instead of trying to pin the problem and you will find that progress just follows.



Inspect the reasons for the setback objectively

Are they in your control? If so, plan on how you will avoid them in the future. If not, is there anyone/anything you can influence that may modify the outcome in the future. If neither, then learn some discipline and patience. Worrying will only make things worse. Some things just aren’t meant to be.



Salvage whatever you can

Even if you think it is a complete loss, there may be a means to salvage something. Do your best to recover whatever you can. And then, bury the remains and leave it behind. Tomorrow’s another day.