BOUNCING BACK FROM FAILURE
It was the weekend, which is the best day of the week for me. I get to relax after doing some house chores and also reading another favorite book(yes, every weekend has at least one favorite book. Making another favorite book add to that collection) so you know right?
It was already one o'clock in the afternoon. This is one thing I still can't apprehend since I was a teenager and I don't know if it is only me. Please you guys should help me and let me understand why in God's name, hours fly- by so much faster during weekends than other days?(if you have an answer, please share in the comment section).
The sun was doing what he knew best and there I was enjoying what I like best. It was my ideal weekend time; sitting in a blue plastic chair in front of the balcony with my legs crossed, munching my kuli kuli, accompanied with a bottle of chilled water and most especially a book. Having this moment is the best for me and I always look forward to it.
I also take that time to observe my neighborhood— to know this and that happening because it seems like I literally live here only on weekends.
One thing about reading a book, especially a thrilling novel, is that the mind visualizes the scenes in our head just like watching TV— every action and character comes to display.
Along the line, I came across this unfamiliar word that I have to check out the meaning in my phone dictionary and almost immediately a Facebook notification popped up.
It was actually a memory notification from four years ago. It was a distraction but I wanted to know what it was about. So I clicked..
QUEENS COMPETITION 2020 was boldly written on the soft flier with my name. During the COVID-19 pandemic when boredom finished my life. I accepted the challenge even when it wasn't my thing or maybe it's because it came with a monthly paycheck and a cash prize(Don't ask me how much it was). The post came with a written interview of; my name, origin, occupation, reason for participation and so on.
I read to a point when I was asked: Where do you see yourself in the next 5-10 years? And my answer was, putting on my blue scrub to the lab. I am currently a student of Biology education. Smiles— All right, that should be a lie. I'm human and I felt bad but did I let this feeling envelope me? Yes, for a moment I had this slight anger for myself. Did I let it linger on or let it define who I am? No.
It is totally understandable to get emotional when your plans for life seem so far from reaching. I have seen situations where people let their failure or unaccomplished dreams define who they are and what they represent. Whenever I get this feeling, I channel it to become my strength instead of weakness. I tell myself; this is just a small setback for my own breakthrough, I may not be living the life I plan but surely my creator's plans are not of mediocre. I'll shine no matter where life pushes me to. I'll never be frustrated by the challenges life keeps throwing, rather I will prove to those setbacks that I'm a born warrior filled with strength and victory I must become regardless.
I still haven't given up on those dreams, so should you too. Look at this phase of your life as a preparatory class coaching you for the next big thing yet to come. And I know we'll make it. I can't wait to see you, my reader at the very top. I'll be there waiting.
Here are few way you can look at your failure through an optimistic viewpoint:
DON'T LET YOUR FAILURE DEFINE WHO YOU ARE: I hated myself for the things I couldn't accomplish. It got worse that I spoke less of myself at every given time. “ My mates are celebrating one big thing by themselves but here I'm still battling with my grade ” Yes, I always belittled myself with these kinds of words. Always compare my life with others and evaluate myself through other people's success. It's great to keep track of one's life but what happened to celebrating those little wins? Everyone has their own race and trust me, you are doing great in your own lane. So fight back the negative thoughts and think of a better way to improve yourself.
DON'T LET YOUR FAILURE DEFINE WHO YOU ARE: I hated myself for the things I couldn't accomplish. It got worse that I spoke less of myself at every given time. “ My mates are celebrating one big thing by themselves but here I'm still battling with my grade ” Yes, I always belittled myself with these kinds of words. Always compare my life with others and evaluate myself through other people's success. It's great to keep track of one's life but what happened to celebrating those little wins? Everyone has their own race and trust me, you are doing great in your own lane. So fight back the negative thoughts and think of a better way to improve yourself.
LEARN FROM OTHERS’ SUCCESS STORY: Almost every successful man has one setback story to tell about their breakthrough. Going through these stories keeps one inspired..
ACCEPT YOUR FAILURE: Acceptance does mean you should be proud of your failure or giving up. It's you understanding that you hit the rock bottom and figuring out the best way to hit the top again.
SELF REFLECTION AND AFFIRMATION: Looking back on my days of recovery, those daily affirmations were my solid rock. I'll look at myself in the mirror and profess great words about myself. I also learnt to analyze my mistakes and failures for self growth.
Remember, setbacks are preparing you for greater breakthrough— if only you learn from them
Remember, setbacks are preparing you for greater breakthrough— if only you learn from them