How Our Failures Facilitate Our Success

Through My Failures, I Succeed

Defining Myself by Failure

I am a failure. I have failed more times than I can count, and there were many times when I allowed my failures to define my reality in a self-defeating way.

I took every setback, every missed opportunity, and every moment where I had fallen short not as a building block toward success, but as a pitfall that held me back from all the wondrous things life can afford.

I was in complete despair and found myself paralyzed by the very thought of failing, so I quit attempting anything at all.

A Shift in Perspective

Then one day, God shifted my perspective.

While working on my 4th Step of AA, I began to look at all the defects of character I was exhibiting, and a fire was lit deep within me. I no longer saw these defects as a barrier, but as a checklist to becoming a better man.

I was no longer paralyzed by the thought of failing but accepted the fact that my failures don’t define me. What I do in the midst of failure does.

Embracing Failure as Growth

After this realization, I began to see every setback, every missed opportunity, and every shortcoming as a celebratory occasion. Through my failure, I was getting one step closer to success.

I shifted from a state of inaction to one of action. I took hold of every moment and understood the importance of doing rather than worrying. As long as I was doing something, I was heading toward a solution instead of wallowing in stagnation.

I became rejuvenated. My willingness to take a shot and miss, rather than take no shot at all, instilled in me a fearlessness that is unshakeable.

Learning from Great Examples

Michael Jordan once said:

“I have missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I have lost almost 300 games. On 26 occasions I have been entrusted to take the game-winning shot, and I missed. I have failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”

Walt Disney was once asked how he stayed motivated in the face of defeat and responded:

“All the adversity I’ve had in my life, all the troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me. You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you.”

A Biblical Reminder

Even scripture encourages us to learn from our mistakes and to get back up when we fail. Proverbs 24:16 says:

“…for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again…”

In other words, don’t quit before the miracle happens. Don’t let fear of failure prevent you from becoming the absolute best version of yourself. Allow failure to assure you that you are on the right track and that you won’t have to relive the experience again.

There will always be another challenge waiting to help you grow, so embrace it. Celebrate your new understanding of what works and what doesn’t. Persevere and seize every opportunity for advancement in life.

Conclusion

I am a failure.

Through my failures, I succeed.