A couple of months ago, I made it a personal goal to write a short Beamer/Blog post every day. I was doing really great, but then a few days ago, I started feeling under the weather, and I mistakenly thought I had more posts pre-scheduled than I actually did.

I missed a day

When I discovered it, I felt frustrated and like I’d let myself and others down. This got me thinking: How many times do we set goals for ourselves and “fall off the wagon” so to speak? Answer: Numerous.

I think the difference between success and failure is how we react in that moment

There are two choices:

Quit and say, “I can’t do this” or “I’m never good at following through” or worse yet, “See? I knew I wouldn’t do it, it’s just not me.”

OR you can think, “Darn, I missed a day. That’s okay, tomorrow is a new day and I can pick up where I left off.”

I’ve worked with many women over the years in a variety of capacities, and each one “failed” to meet their goals at some point. I wanted them to look at the “failure” as a learning moment:

  • What could they have done differently to better set themselves up for success?
  • How did their own beliefs or thoughts affect the way they followed through?
  • What triggers can they identify in order to prepare a proper response in the future?

 

Then, start again. It’s not starting over, it’s simply picking up where you left off. Kind of like reading a book, you wouldn’t start the entire book over the next day, would you?

 

Exercise program that you stopped a couple of weeks ago…?

Start where you left off.

 

Nutritional plan you left by the wayside…?

Start where you left off.

 

Personal or professional goals you haven’t been focusing on…?

START WHERE YOU LEFT OFF!

 

So I missed a day. I tend to be a perfectionist, and last night when I realized it, I thought about staying up late and whipping out a post out really quick, but I forced myself to let it go and rest instead. I can choose to view this as a blemish in an otherwise perfect record, OR I can focus on all the posts and consistency I have had over the last couple of months.

 

Questions to ponder

Do you focus on your failures or your successes?

Do you let your failings overshadow everything you’re doing successfully?

 

Food for Thought

The next time you find yourself feeling like a failure and dwelling on everything you didn’t finish, STOP and immediately make a list of everything you can think of that you have accomplished. You’ll be amazed how quickly your feelings can turn around! ??

Ready to make changes in your life? I’m ready to help you do it


cork bulletin board with thumbtack and note reading: "how do you deal with failure"?