Picking Yourself Up After Failure

Successful people often strive for excellence and aim to meet high standards, which can lead to a profound fear of failure. When the drive for achievement becomes overwhelming, it can turn into a significant handicap. The truth is, no one enjoys failing. Whether it occurs at work, home, or in other areas of life, failure is painful and can be costly in terms of time, money, or both. However, as Oliver Chikodzore wisely points out, "Failing is a part of the game that is life." Despite its inevitability, many people hesitate to discuss their failures openly, preferring to highlight their successes instead.

Reflecting on his own experiences, Chikodzore shares, “In dealing with the obstacles that faced me in designing and taking my first offering to market, I devoted myself to studying the lives of great people. It became my source of inspiration to pull through my darkest hours. I made an astonishing discovery that nothing great ever succeeded the first time.” His journey revealed that greatness often follows repeated failures, frustrations, and self-doubts.

Consider the example of J.K. Rowling, author of the "Harry Potter" series. Today, she is known for selling 400 million books and securing numerous licensing deals, making her one of the wealthiest women in the UK. Yet, she once faced severe personal struggles and rejection. Similarly, Thomas Edison failed 10,000 times before inventing the electric light, and Jack Canfield, author of "Chicken Soup for the Soul," received 144 rejections before securing a book contract. Even Meg Cabot, author of "The Princess Diaries," faced numerous rejections. These stories remind us that failure is a common experience and an essential part of the path to success.

Steps to Recover from Failure

When confronted with failure, being proactive is far more effective than avoiding the situation. Here are seven steps to help you start over after a failure:

1. Accept Responsibility

Acknowledge your role in the failure. Our egos can be our worst enemies in these moments. Admitting your mistake is crucial. Don’t shift the blame to others or external circumstances.

2. Recognize the Failure

This step is challenging because persistence is often celebrated. However, being self-aware and recognizing when an idea has failed is essential. Understanding what doesn’t work is the first step toward finding what does.

3. Pick Up the Pieces

Ensure that any fallout from your failure is addressed. If your reputation needs repair, act promptly to restore it. This will be crucial for the success of future ventures.

4. Reflect on Past Successes

Failure does not define your worth. Recall your past achievements and the times you’ve overcome obstacles. These reflections can boost your confidence and remind you that you have the resilience to recover.

5. Make a Decision

Inaction is a decision in itself but often leads nowhere. Whether you need to think deeply or seek advice, make a conscious choice about your next steps. Learning more about the area where you failed can also guide your future actions.

6. Focus on the Future

Quickly dealing with failure allows you to move forward more swiftly. The past cannot be changed, so focus on what lies ahead. Apply the lessons learned and leverage your experience to pursue your goals.

7. Revisit Your Vision

Stephen Covey wrote, "All things are created twice. There's a mental or first creation, and a physical or second creation to all things." Revisiting your vision helps you focus on the logical steps needed to achieve it and build relationships with the right people.

Failure is an inevitable part of trying to accomplish something. It fosters creativity as you seek new approaches. A wise man once wrote, “Failure should be our teacher, not our undertaker! Failure is delay, not defeat. Failure is a temporary detour, not a dead-end street.” It curbs arrogance, reveals true friends, and prompts a re-evaluation of priorities, ultimately revealing your true character.

Chikodzore concludes with a poignant reminder: “There's nothing wrong with a plan but don't get too attached to it. Make the necessary changes. Remember Von Moltke's famous dictum that no plan survives first contact with the enemy. The danger is a plan that seduces us into thinking failure is impossible and adaptation is unnecessary—a kind of ‘Titanic’ plan, unsinkable (until it hits the iceberg).” Growth through failure is crucial. If you don’t learn and adapt, you risk repeating the same mistakes. Embrace action and risk-taking as integral parts of life, for without them, nothing can be achieved.