Three steps forward and one step back.

I used to feel that this saying was both self-deprecating and unfortunately apt to describing myself. Whether it was interviews or final grades it always felt that no matter how close I made it to the finish line I always fell short of my goals.

Progress never seemed to be in my state space but stagnation was more than tangible.

There have been points in my life where everything was going great and then it would all come crashing down. And I used to wonder does it ever get better? Am I always going to have settle for disappointment? Am I ever going to reach my goals or just have it stripped away at the last second?

This last year I've realized that my attitude has held me back from so many great opportunities in life.

Failure is inevitable. And it's not a bad thing either. It is simply a space in your life where you can learn to reflect and do better. It is not a marker for inadequacy but a room meant for introspection.

Every obstacle and every setback has taught me something that I still apply to this day. I've learned to be confident and how to answer the annoying question of "tell me about yourself" from embarrassing interviews. Disappointing grades have been a marker of how much more I can still improve. Problems with friends have shown me better conflict resolution steps.

Three steps forward and one step back. But that is not the ending I hear now or even deserve to feel.

Three steps forward and one step back. But always moving forward.