elainemcooper
Lisa Lickel
Six ways to deal with failure.
Posted by janeteckles on June 30, 2012
By: Janet Perez Eckles
“I actually cut my bangs myself,” my dear friend wrote.
I was impressed.
“…made a huge mistake,” she continued, “by cutting ¾ of an inch instead of ¼ of an inch.”
Yikes, that’s sounded like me.
“I couldn’t believe I did that!” she said, “But I’ve had more compliments than ever before. Turns out I look good in very short bangs and think I will keep them that way.”
See? Some friends are just blessed that way. They mess up and things still turn out well.
That was a lesson for me—the lesson of mistakes, messed-up things, failure and foolish decisions.
Have you been there lately?
If you’re in the “oops” phase of your journey and looked in the mirror of life and find that you messed up, smile. Here are six keys to deal with failure and use each episode as a fail-proof path to success.’
1. Lack of failure denotes we’re splashing stagnant water
2. Failures bring added wisdom to take the next step
3. Failures are a sign we’re moving forward
4. Failure bathed in faith never equals defeat
5. Fear of failure comes when we let go God’s hand
6. Failure brings success when we trust in He who never fails us
Paul tasted the sadness of failed plans, tough roads, cold prisons, failed relationships, but He never stopped. He held his head high, his convictions deep and his resolve certain: “I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me–the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace” (Acts 20:23-24).
Father, thank you that my failures are not the end, my mistakes are not the outcome, nor are my flaws my destiny. In you, all my failures are ways to humble me and change my focus—to see you, your hand at work and your mighty power that helps me finish the race. In the name of Jesus I thank you. Amen.
• What failure are you facing?
• What does success mean to you?
• What steps are you taking to move beyond failures?
Janet
2 Responses to “Six ways to deal with failure.”
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Lisa Lickel said
Thank you, Janet, for the wisdom. As far as my writing side, so much attitude opened up when I read an article about a writer attempting 100 rejections in a year — not by writing poorly or submitting to the wrong places, but by Trying. There’s a lot of freedom when you give yourself permission to not be perfect.
joannesher said
Great post, Janet! This is so counter to our culture (and our natural minds) – but there are so VERY many benefits to failure. I NEEDED this reminder.