Our culture has divided us up into two groups: winners and losers. Somewhere along the line, we decided that to lose was no longer an option. Losing meant failure. Failure meant that you should feel bad about yourself. It was your fault and you should have tried harder, done more, or been better. Well, I disagree.

Yes, failing hurts. You feel bad, it's on your mind, you think about it, and you think about what could've happened or how you could have done better. You know what they say, "Woulda, coulda, shoulda." Stop blaming yourself and stop being a victim. You are not a victim. You failed once, maybe twice, or maybe 500 times, but, instead of focusing on the outcome, focus on the process.

What in the heck is this girl talking about? Well, focus on what influenced you to make certain decisions and to act certain ways. Was there something that you could have done differently? Was there someone you could have turned to? All too often, we get this radical idea stuck in our heads that not only do we have to win and be the best, but we have to do it all alone. That's not true. Be successful with everyone around you, support each other, and stop viewing everyone around you as competition.

Did you learn something? When you failed, did you learn something about yourself, about your surroundings, or about the people around you? Are you going to do something differently from here on out? I know that it hurts. I know that it's hard to get over the fact that you let yourself down and possibly let someone else down too. Let it hurt for a minute. Cry it out and work it out. Then, stand up, brush yourself off, and keep going. Keep trying. Keep learning. Keep bettering yourself. Keep moving forward.

Failing and messing up isn't the end, it's just the beginning. So, get up and keep up. You can do it. You'll get there, I promise.