Fail to Fail

This article appeared in the Courier Mail on Saturday 24th January 2009

Failing can easily be described as falling short of success or achievement in something expected, attempted or desired.

It can be a devastating experience emotionally, physically and spiritually. It can cause breakdowns or depression and will, more often than not, affect friends and family as well as the individual.

But what if you have an attitude of failing to fail? In other words, what are the positive outcomes of not being able to achieve that something you expected, attempted or desired. What if your thought process was not about failure but about learning and experiencing and how you have grown as an individual?

What if you accepted the outcome and learnt from the positive aspects that have taken place or are yet to unfold. Yes, it is very difficult to see the positive side of a devastating experience however time and your attitude can show you the benefits of what has taken place.

You may continue with what you are doing or get steered in a different direction, take up new work, spend more time with friends or family, move house or become more content with what you already have at your disposal. They can all be positive and productive outcomes if you want them to be.

Supreme athletes do not recognise failure. They recognise another step in the positive direction of achieving there desired outcome. They continue to train, learn and work toward their goal. They are focussed and committed and learn from any misfortunes they encounter along the way. Some may alter their direction but they keep moving forward with a positive and productive attitude.

Don’t look at failure as the end of your dreams. Look at the opportunity to learn more about yourself and what you need to do for yourself to achieve your goals.