Students’ Speak: Failure is the opportunity to begin again, more intelligently
By: P Veena Vaibhavi
Life is a game of success and failure. Everyone will experience failure. If at all people stopped trying because of fear of failure, today the world would not know eminent personalities such as J K Rowling, Steve Jobs, Albert Einstein, Bill Gates and many more.
These eminent personalities failed many times but they didn’t stop trying. In every phase of life, we experience the fear of failure. Fear is something that everyone undergoes when setting out for a new undertaking. It can’t be avoided; however, one can take a close look at the fear of failure and work on it to shape the future. Below are a few ways that can help you overcome the fear of failure.
Identify the reason for your fear of failure
It is very vital to know the root cause of failure because it helps you to work on the weaker areas. Sit down, calm down yourself and think about what is the issue which is haunting you? Examine your thoughts and answer yourself for this question. While examining your thoughts, write them down on paper (make a fears list) then find a solution for it.
Focus on learning
Never dwell in the past. Take lessons from the past and implement in the present actions. Failure always invites learning. Try to figure out the weaker areas, focus on them and try again.
Make yourself ready to face the obstacles
Always welcome challenges as they will make your future-ready and it will build your problem-solving skills. Don’t ignore challenges, they teach you lessons and in turn increases critical thinking which is required to sustain in today’s world.
Develop positive thinking
Optimists seek the valuable lesson in every setback. Rather than getting upset and blaming someone else for what has happened, try to examine the event closely and question, “What can I learn from this experience?” Remember, when a negative event occurs, the outcome is based truly on your thoughts. Whatever the situation might be, think positive and try to see it from another perspective.
Set small targets
In order to achieve a goal, you need to reach small targets. For example, if your goal is to achieve 100 marks in an annual exam then you have to keep a target of completing your syllabus before a week of your exam. If you are able to do it then you will definitely reach your goal.
Avoid self-criticism
“Remember, you have been criticising yourself for years and it hasn’t worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens.” – Louis.L.Hay
Self- criticism is one's enemy. It is one of the worst things that one can do. It decreases the chance of acquiring success and can lead to depression. No one in the world can know your value except yourself. Whatever be the result, appreciate the efforts you have put and try improving them for the next time.
Believe in yourself
If you believe in yourself, anything is possible. Always motivate yourself that “I will ” and “I can”. This will definitely increase your confidence in yourself.
Re-evaluate your approach
Failing is “First attempt in learning”. So, if one approach doesn’t work out then try another approach. If plan A doesn’t go well, then implement plan B, but don’t stop trying. Whenever you fail, try to find out the reason, analyse it and then overcome it. It's just how bad you want it. Try the same process with a different approach.
About the Author:
P Veena Vaibhavi is a B.Tech student, studying in the final year at Vignan's Institute of Engineering for Women. Her specialisation is in Computer Science. Apart from academics, Vaibhavi is interested in story writing and quilling.
