“Like success, failure is many things to many people. With positive mental attitude, failure is a learning experience, a rung on the ladder, and a plateau at which to get your thoughts in order to prepare to try again.”
W. Clement Stone
I have met many people that have a healthy relationship with failure. On the other hand, I have also met people who are paralyzed by it.
Those who embrace failure, have an ability to embrace discomfort. Disappointment seems to serve as a fuel for their “problem solving engine”.
On the other hand, there are those who have a tendency to resist failure. For those who gravitate toward this camp “failing” is an intolerable form of discomfort. And thus often results in an abrupt end to the voyage. Or a premature pivot toward an easier, less “risky”, outcome.
Those with a positive mental attitude view failure as a stepping stone. Somewhat of an opportunity to re-assess the plan and modify the course without changing the destination.
The “magic” happens in the space between “feeling” and “response”.
When the space is filled with curiosity, “magic” happens. The questions often start with “what”, “why, and “how”….
“Why did this action result in a suboptimal outcome”?
“What could be done differently to produce a better outcome”?
“How can I leverage my strengths (mentally and physically) to move the needle forward”?
Along those lines,
“What are my strengths that I am not fully leveraging?”
Etc, etc…..
But that space between “feeling” and “response” can also be a place where goals die. Goals die when the space is filled with rigid thinking.
These statements often include such things like
“I will never reach this goal”
“This proves I am not capable”
“This goal is impossible”
“I must change my goal”
Etc, etc…
“Like success, failure is many things to many people. With positive mental attitude, failure is a learning experience, a rung on the ladder, and a plateau at which to get your thoughts in order to prepare to try again.”
Are you currently in a “Plateau”?
If so, are you asking yourself the right questions?
How are you learning and growing? What will it take to get to the next rung on the ladder?
Perfect Timing
I suspect I may be demoted today from a position that holds a lot of promise and potential longevity.
I don’t have control at this point if the decision that determines the security of my current position, but I can prepare to pivot well and leave in a spirit of gratitude and dignity
As a previously professional dancer, ballet teacher and actress, I was often referred to as an ‘over thinker’. Detailed analysis of movement and rhythm was part of my everyday life. When I suffered a stroke in 2019, I saw no difference in my attitude to that same detailed outlook. Although being robbed of movement on my left side and losing my ability to speak fluently could be hugely frustrating, it was now a daily challenge to analyse what used to come so easily and break down the simplest forward motion of putting one foot in front of the other. As you become more aware of the present achievements, you are also, therefore, doubly clear how much further you need to go. All this alongside ageing does not make it any easier. I am so grateful to find someone like Tara Tobias to help make my route to understanding more achievable. Than you 😊