I FAILED, NOW WHAT?
Bad news: you will fail, either now or sometime in the future.
Good news: failing doesn't make you a failure. In fact, failing is part of the process. It allows you to get stronger and refine your skills as you move towards your goal. Wise people know that what you do with your failure is what's most important. So here are a few tips on how to handle failure.
Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash
It's not personal
There are many reasons to fail, lack of planning, bad execution, over-extending yourself, the list goes on. But, understanding that failure is not about who you are as a person but how you approach, plan, and execute a task goes a long way towards recovering from failure. So, turn that critical eye towards your process, figure out what went wrong and why then apply those lessons to future projects.
Perfection doesn't exist.
Of course, you should aim to do your best on every project, but it is also important to understand that true perfection is unattainable. So instead, focus on reaching the parameters set beforehand, meeting deadlines and goals, and cut yourself a little bit of slack. You are only human, after all.
Photo by Enguerrand Blanchy on Unsplash
No Scapegoats, please!
Here's the thing, at some point, it's going to be your fault. Yes, there are reasons and circumstances and all that… however, it doesn't do anyone any good to avoid responsibility. Instead of making excuses, stand up and take responsibility for the mistake, learn from it, and move on.
Detour Ahead
The reason most people don't achieve success is that they give up when roadblocks come up. It is important to realize that things may go wrong, that you will face disappointment, unforeseen circumstances, and exhaustion that may not always be in your control. It is equally important to prepare yourself for what to do in that case. Maybe you will need to retrace your steps before you can move forward. You may need to change direction or even start from the beginning. Just remember that failure is not the end as long as you are willing to keep trying.
Photo by Marten Bjork on Unsplash
Employees are people too!
It always seems like there's not enough time to do everything. There is no time to finish work projects, get an extra hour of sleep or meet with friends, or hit the gym. However, in the race to stay on top of tasks and commitments, it is also paramount to remember that you are not a robot, and you too need self-care and maintenance. Learn how to gauge how you feel and take a break when necessary. Set boundaries and dedicated times to unwind, whether it's meeting up with your loved ones, going to the gym or park solo, or getting in some of that much-needed time off screens. Keeping yourself happy and healthy means you can give your best at work and at home.
