Why I'm Looking Forward To Failing
Start writing a post
Student Life

Why I'm Looking Forward To Failing

Rejections are inevitable- so I'm learning to love them.

19
Why I'm Looking Forward To Failing

Ever since we're young, we're told that we need to shoot for the moon, strive for greatness, and settle for nothing short of the best. The standard is so far above mediocrity, it's almost like we're being conditioned to accept success and nothing but success. But what happens when we start to chase more and more of our dreams, and fall short? How do we deal with the embarrassment of being a human being who has flaws and inevitably messes up? Up until recently, I had always viewed failure as something that was necessary to growth, but not ideal. One day, I was listening to a podcast where the host of the podcast (David) was talking to a business owner (Tristen) about the process of starting and continuing to run a successful business. The topic of failure- more specifically, embracing failure- came up, and the conversation basically centered around ways to handle failure well. One of the habits they discussed that struck me was writing down a failure from that day or that week, and then acknowledging the lesson that was learned from that failure. My first reaction to hearing that was basically "what the crap? If I'm giving failure so much positive attention, won't that just make me look forward to that more than the successes? Shouldn't I just be counting the wins?" After I thought about it though, being able to look forward to and appreciate failures is (for lack of a better term) such a power move. Nobody has ever attempted anything and done it perfectly the whole time, so it will serve you better to know what to expect, and even to invite the disappointment in because it can be used to foster growth and positive change. Towards the end of this month and as we go into 2021, I'm looking to shift my mindset- instead of looking at my goals in terms of what I can succeed at, I'm going to strive to find the attempt- even the failed ones. Even if I don't lift the amount I want at the gym by next December or take as many pictures or save as much money as I want, at least I can say I went for it. It's a lot more disheartening to look back on all of your efforts and see no achievements-- so by transforming the effort itself into the achievement and the obstacles into opportunities, it's possible to keep a positive mentality and a strong work ethic despite the circumstances that may hinder what you normally consider growth.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

52185
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

33544
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

956340
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

181230
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments