Whenever you feel you’ve failed, ask yourself:
● “Should I change my approach to how I pursue my goal?”
● “What positive lessons can I gain from this experience?”
● “Is this goal truly mine, or does it belong to my parents or society?”
● “What is the worst-case scenario if I fail? Is it worth trying?”
Behind the fear of failure often lies the fear of criticism. If we didn’t have to face the judgment of others, there would be no reason to fear failure.
Renowned psychologist William James stated, “The deepest principle in human nature is the craving for recognition.” Notice his choice of words—he doesn’t speak of desire or longing but of a craving for recognition!
Our need to draw attention and appear significant is innate. To savor recognition, we must first conquer the fear of failure.
Each time you feel “unsuccessful,” consider that your higher self is sending you a message that there is a greater plan for you. Avoid jumping to conclusions and take some time to observe the situation from a detached perspective. God has given you unique talents—discover them, and use them!
Make a list of your positive attributes and focus on them.
Set a goal to improve yourself daily.
A common mistake most people make is blaming themselves for their failures, labeling themselves as useless, incapable, foolish, lazy, or inadequate. They fail to realize that the true cause is often the methods they employ to achieve the desired outcome—for example, their action plan, strategy, behavior, effort, or choices.
By identifying the method as the cause of failure, we can find solutions. This contrasts with blaming ourselves, which traps us in the problem. The solution lies in improving our action plan, changing our strategy, intensifying our efforts, altering our behavior, and adopting new habits.
Read stories and autobiographies of famous “failures.” Failure is a form of feedback. Mistakes are crucial for long-term success.
Embrace the fact that success comes gradually, by cultivating a successful mindset. Equip yourself with self-awareness, faith, self-discipline, daily progress, action, patience, persistence, and a willingness to take risks. Once you develop these qualities, success becomes only a matter of time.
