Four Tips for Getting Past Failure

I am going to say something in the article that either you already know, or you do not believe.

Failures do occur. And remember failure is the stepping stone to success.

Students belong to a group that is most likely to face failures. Unfortunately, it is a fact that nobody can win all the time. You may do very well in sports for a season, but not pass a major exam in history or math. Others may be at the top of their classes in education, but they are facing problems in personal relationships. There are many activities that we indulge in and as a result, there are many things that can go wrong and we cannot achieve what we wanted. One of the most important things to do when such negative things occur is to keep these four tips in mind to help you move through the disappointment or grief.

1. It is not the end of the world. There will be chances to improve. One loss does not mean you lose forever. As the saying goes, "Just because we lost the battle doesn't mean we've lost the war." Yes, it is disappointing. Yes, it does hurt - but it is not going to kill you or doom you.

2. Relax and "don't sweat the small stuff." It was one test out of several. Take a deep breath and let it out slowly. If you did the best you could, under the circumstances given, then that was all you could ask for. If you did not, then you know what you have to alter to succeed the next time.

3. Keep positive. Do not let negativity and pessimism keep you from seeing the bigger picture, or feeling that you may never achieve your ultimate goals. Keep faith in yourself, because without that, nobody else will have faith in you. Get determined to do better next time, and then work to make that determination a reality.

4. Use it as a learning experience. Everyone loses at some point or another. You have now, and you will again. There is a saying that "history repeats itself." Frankly, it will repeat itself only if you allow it to do so. Be open with yourself and find out what your weaknesses were. Be real. You messed up for a reason, maybe because you took too much time. Find the reason, own it, and work to make a change. Improve yourself, because you are the only one who can.

Failure does not have to be final.