Albert Einstein said that failure is success in progress and believed that anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.
We are human and we are not perfect. We, certainly, will not be perfect the first time we try something! That is why we practice. The critical piece is to learn from the prior experience to improve our performance as we progress towards a successful outcome.
It is said the definition of insanity is repeating the same behavior over and over again yet expecting a different outcome. If you change nothing, learn nothing, and fail to grow from the failed experience then you will be doomed to repeat the same poor outcome. Essentially, if you fail to learn from your failure then it truly is a failure because you are failing yourself.
Instead, turn that failure into opportunity!
Recognize the confidence and bravery it took for you to venture onto this new path and be proud of your willingness to take a chance. It's scary, it's daunting and - still - you stepped up and tried! Consider what knowledge you now possess that all of those who were not willing try now lack. Using this new experience, you continue to progress and grow while they are now missing those tools.
As you select your internships, do not discount yourself for an opportunity. If you never try, you never know what could have been - good or bad. The worst anyone can say is "no". Pick yourself up, brush yourself off, and try again taking a different path!!
As you undertake new projects, understand that each failure shows you what not to do. Failing early allows you the time to pivot. You may choose to explore new arenas or discover new passions. Rather than be disappointed, be grateful to have learned this early on in your educational/professional career. You have plenty of time to adjust and reprioritize the expectations you have set for yourself and your future.
Above all, realize that failing is not failing if you learn from it!
Comments