HOW TO TURN FAILURE INTO SUCCESS

            Do feelings of inadequacy prevent you from taking on new challenges? Do the well-meaning comments of those you respect sometimes undermine your confidence? Does discouragement over past blunders hold you back from trying again? If so, how can you come to terms with your failures –real or perceived?

             You have everything to gain by finding the answer to that last question became sooner or later everyone fails at something. But people who can deal with failures are resilient. That means they can put their mistakes in perspective, get up, and try again. And next time, they are more likely to succeed. So let’s see how you can cope with three challenges –potential failure, perceived failure, and actual failure.

             POTENTIAL FAILURE; WHAT COULD HAPPEN; You expect the worst and therefore hold back from making an attempt, thinking that your chances of success are slim. So instead of letting fear of failure immobilize you, put your heart into the task. Why not think of an occasion on which you did better than you expected? If necessary, get input from a parent or mature friend who can help you build up your confidence.

                PERCEIVED FAILURE; WHAT YOU THINK HAS HAPPENED; when another person succeeds at some endeavor, you feel that you are a failure by comparison.  Instead of stirring up competition –even if it is just in your mind-acknowledge the accomplishments of others. At the same time, without becoming boastful, recognize your own unique abilities

               ACTUAL FAILURE; WHAT HAS HAPPENED; You reflect on a previous failure and feel that success is not worth the effort. Instead of focusing only on your faults, reflect on your good points as well. Remember this: No one is perfect. Everyone fails at something, sometime. If you can learn to be resilient, you will have acquired a vital asset that will serve you well later in life.