How to Pick Yourself Back Up – Learn the Art of Failure
Introduction
Failure has been a part of life for the greatest of achievers, and it has taken many forms. They have all suffered setbacks and disappointments. Everyone has had their dreams shattered at some stage.
However, it is how they responded to these failures that made them stand out. They were the ones who picked themselves back up and went at it again. They treated it as a part of the journey towards ultimate success. And that is what helped them get breakthroughs.
“I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can’t accept not trying.” Michael Jordan – basketball legend and athlete.
How you handle failures and how you learn from them will decide how these hurdles shape your life. It is all about whether you give up or come out stronger.
So read on to learn how to pick yourself back up after failure and turn it into a chance for growth.
Understanding Failure
Failure normally means the inability to reach a certain target or being unsuccessful in accomplishing a set goal. According to the Oxford Learners Dictionary, it means a “lack of success in doing or achieving something”.
It should however be treated as only a part of the journey, a temporary hurdle in the way towards success. It is a chance to pause and rethink your approach and adjust your strategies to finally achieve the result you initially set out to accomplish.
Remember, J.K. Rowling’s books were rejected by 12 publishers before they went into print. Colonel Sanders went with his recipe to hundreds of restaurants before it finally got accepted. Oprah Winfrey was fired at the age of 23 from her first reporting job only to reach the heights of success and fame later on in life.
The knowledge that most successful people in history experienced their fair share of failures gives a reassurance that we are not alone in this. What made them stand out, however, was the way they chose to respond to it and how they overcame it. It is never going to be easy, but in the end, it is going to be worth all the effort.
How to Pick Yourself Back Up; Learning the Art of Failure
Let us look at ways to tackle failure, to learn from mistakes and to get back up again.
Acknowledging the Setback
The first step towards getting started again is accepting the setback and carrying on from there. There is no point in hiding away or denying the little hiccup. Maybe you are suffering from some weight fluctuations, maybe there has been an injury, or perhaps you are facing problems with consistency. Tell yourself that it is alright. Do not blame yourself. Instead, focus on how you can get back up from there and continue to work towards your goal. It is often seen that people who are resilient have a much stronger chance of bouncing back and achieving their goals.
Reassessing Your Goals
Sometimes it helps to focus on one step at a time. Consider breaking down your long-term targets into smaller steps. It can be a good idea to tackle your health or fitness goals, for example, in bite-size chunks. Make them manageable and realistic. Think short-term. And you will suddenly find yourself more motivated and willing to carry on.
It is also important to have clear well-defined goals in front of you. According to a study, people who set clear goals were 76% more likely to accomplish them.
Building a Support System
Sometimes some moral support is all you need to keep going. Get in touch with friends. Talk to health professionals. Reach out to trainers who can assess your position and guide you better. Having a good support system goes a long way in helping you achieve your dreams.
Joining community groups is also a great way of staying connected and hearing the words of encouragement and motivation we all need.
Starting Small but Staying Consistent
Taking big steps is not for everyone. If you have just suffered a setback, begin again by taking baby steps. Maybe choose some light activities like walking or stretching so you can gently ease back into the routine you wish to achieve. Gradually increasing the intensity of our workout, for example, will help in avoiding injury and burnout.
Learning from the Past
Sit back and figure out what it was that caused the setback in the first place. Was it a poor diet you indulged in or maybe you overtrained and caused an injury? Did you rest as much as was advised? This assessment will help you plan all your future strategies in a way that you can avoid making these mistakes again.
Keeping a Positive Mindset
Keep telling yourself not to give up, that if others can do it, so can you. Practice mindfulness and gratitude, focusing on progress rather than perfection. These setbacks should be treated as opportunities to build resilience and mental toughness.
Tracking Progress and Celebrating Wins
Keep track of your achievements and accomplishments no matter how small. Maybe maintain a journal or app. This is a great way of watching yourself make progress. And then give yourself a pat on the back for every stage passed and every little success met. Celebrate the little wins and bigger ones will surely follow.
Asking the Expert
Discuss your problems and the obstacles with an expert in the field. Take advice. Be open about your concerns. And then learn from them. Remember, these guides and teachers have most probably been there and have already learnt from their experiences. So words of guidance from these professionals will steer you in the right direction.
Final Word
How you pick yourself back up after a setback is what will decide the direction and the ultimate outcome of any journey. Learn from the challenges you have faced, and celebrate any little progress you make. Learn the art of failure.
Every step forward, no matter how small, is ultimately a step in the right direction.
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