Failure: It Is Not As Bad As What You Think It Is

Jul 3, 2022
3 min read

Updated: Aug 22, 2022

“Failure should be our teacher, not our undertaker. Failure is delay, not defeat. It is a temporary detour, not a dead-end. Failure is something we can avoid only by saying nothing, doing nothing, and being nothing.” – Denis Waitleys

Above is one of my favorite quotes about failure. It exposes us to the fact that failure, after all, is not a bad thing. Flunking an exam, going bankrupt in a business, not being able to achieve work targets, and having a relationship that did not work out – these are just some of the instances in life wherein we think that we are a failure. It leads us into depression, self-pity, and hopelessness, among other negative emotions. If you look at the other side of the coin, however, you will realize that failure, after all, is not a bad thing. It gives us a reality check in life. It makes you realize that it is not all rainbows and butterflies. To live, you have to survive. And to survive, you must encounter failures in your life.

Failure Is Important To Succeed

Many of the most successful people today, whether it is in the field of business, politics, or entertainment, among others, have experienced failure in their lives. Katy Perry’s first album was unsuccessful. Jim Carey’s first comic act was a flop. Oprah Winfrey was fired from her job in news. Jay-Z has been turned down by many labels. J.K. Rowling has been jobless and suffered from divorce. Stephen King’s first novel has been rejected. Bill Gates’s first business venture failed. Henry Ford went bankrupt. Walt Disney’s first company has also landed into bankruptcy. All of these instances simply show that failure is never a reason for you to give up. It should never be a hindrance to succeed.

Why exactly is failure a vital ingredient for success? One word – motivation. When you fail in life, it must provide you with an inspiration to learn from the past and have a welcoming attitude to confront the future. Failing once does not mean that you will forever fail. You should know how to get up from the downfall. Rise. Prove everyone your worth. Successful people see their darkest days as a source of motivation, telling themselves that it won’t happen again. It should be seen as an inspiration, and never a distraction in the achievement of the reality of your dreams.

The Stigma of Failure

Even in what we claim to be a modern society, there is still a stigma of failure. From families to the society as a whole, failing is still seen by many to be a humiliation and marked with disgrace. While it is definitely something not to be proud of, such stigma is unwarranted. Instead, people should start seeing it as an opportunity to be better and not as a disgrace.

Rather than seeing failure as a humiliation, it should be replaced with freedom and confidence. Those who are around people who fail should show support for growth. Failure should never define you as a person, regardless of what other people are saying. It is through failing that you will be able to see who your true friends are.

Tips in Overcoming Failure

The first thing that you have to do is to admit that you have experienced failure. The longer that you deny it; the harder it will be for you to rise. By admitting it, you will be able to quickly determine what went wrong and what you can do to prevent such from happening again.

It will also be good to recognize the fact that failure is common. Even those who are already on the top still inevitably failed. By knowing that you are not alone, you will find comfort.

Another thing that you should do is to turn into others. No man is an island, especially for a man who is experiencing failure. Emotional support can do a lot to provide the motivation and enlightenment that you need.

Keep in mind that failure is a lesson in disguise. It is an opportunity to learn from your mistakes, and consequently, a motivation to be better next time.

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