What To Do When You Have Failed

April 26, 2013

Blogpost

FailureOne of the first things that most people fail to realize is that “Failure is an event and not a person.” This is a tremendously helpful reminder. When we can make this separation, failure becomes a steppingstone rather than a stumbling block. There are three helpful reminders outlined below that will help you when you experience failure.

Thomas Edison who in his attempt to figure out how the light bulb worked said of his failures: “I’ve discovered 5000 ways that does not work.” What if we were to embrace that attitude in life? How much more could we possible discover along with the potential that would be released for growth.

In every failure there is a lesson. I have heard cliches on the topic of failure, which do make sense. I have heard and used “Your failure doesn’t define you”, “Failure is not an option”, “Failure is the beginning of success”, and the list goes on. I’m sure those who originated these sayings wanted to motivate people like you and me who may at times feel like we are failures.

It was Michael Jordan, one of the most decorated and valuable basketball player of all times said this of failure: “I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. That is why I succeed”. We can always learn from our failures if we embrace the attitudes of the Michael Jordans and Thomas Edisons of this world. How many light bulbs could be discovered in the process while helping  people along the way? 

When we embrace our failures with the mindset of looking for learning opportunities, we are acknowledging our discovery as to what doesn’t work. Our experiences have given us an advantage over someone else that we could help so that they do not have to experience a similar failure. We could “strengthen” them.

Someone that failed miserably in his life, which has been recorded centuries ago, is Peter – the disciple of Jesus. His failure could be seen as epic. He was about to experience an event that would go down in history as one of the biggest failures of his life – the denial of Jesus. Jesus knew it and told him what to do after his failure. He even prayed for him not that he would not fail but for strength and wisdom in using his failure for good.

Here’s what Jesus said “… So when you have repented and turned to me again, STRENGTHEN your brothers.” (Luke 22:32 NLT)

Using what he learned from his failure, he could help his fellow brothers in their journey of life by telling them of his blunder and the recovery process. This would be one way of strengthening them.

Here are 3 helpful reminders on the topic of failure:

  1. Everyone have had or will have an event called failure
  2. When it happens, learn from it and use it to help someone else
  3. You are not a failure because you have failed

What other reminders have you thought about that could be included in the list above? Please take the time to share with us below in the comment section of this blog.

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About Kingsley Grant

I am a published author, motivational speaker, father of two, husband of one, licensed psychotherapist, certified midlife transitional coach, follower of Christ and President of Helping Families Improve, Inc.

View all posts by Kingsley Grant

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