How Failure Can Make You A Better Person
Failure can help you determine what doesn't work
Nothing works perfectly the first time around. Think back to the first time you've ever tried something new, were you any good at it? Did you do it spot on right away? I'd guess the answer is no. But that's ok, doing something wrong and making mistakes is part of our learning process through anything. Whether you're struggling with your Maths homework or finding it difficult to pass your driving test, it could take more time for you to grasp those things than others, and whys that? Because we're all individuals with different interests, strengths and weaknesses, but if we fail at something, we don't just walk away from it, we keep trying.
But there's only so many times you can do something before you realise that it really isn't for you. Let's say you're trying to learn how to play the guitar, and you just can't grasp it. Well maybe it's time to put the guitar to bed, but instead of giving up how to play a musical instrument all together, perhaps try a brass instrument as opposed to a string one, for example. Just because one thing isn't quite working, doesn't mean to say something else won't.
You become more empathetic
Everyone makes mistakes, no matter what anyone says. But the point is, you learn from them. For example, let's say you made a mistake a few years ago, but you got through it, picked yourself up, dusted yourself down and got on with life again. Well what would you say to a friend who made the same mistake that you did, a few years afterwards? You wouldn't be cold or harsh, you wouldn't scald or spurn them, because you'd think back and remind yourself of how you once felt in their position.
Failure allows you to put yourself in someone else's shoes, you won't be mean or judgemental about it, you'll offer as much help, advice and support as you know they need, because you'd have gone through it as well. Life experiences help shape who you are, but at the same time, your experiences can help someone else through something and I think that's really important.
Failure forces you to work harder
I can talk from experience on this one. When I was at school, I hated Maths, I don't think you'd ever know anyone who hated Maths more than I did. But when I took my first GCSE exam, I failed it. It was a complete flop and it made me feel like s**t. I then realised that if I carried on trying to avoid it, I would fail my GCSE and I wouldn't be able to get into sixth form to do my A Levels. That failure made me realise that I really needed to pull my socks up and do something to change the outcome of my Maths GCSE. So I worked hard, made some changes and I passed my Maths exams comfortably every time after that.
The point is, failure can often be the rocket we need to change, work harder, do better and change the direction of certain outcomes. Often, the only thing holding you back from anything is yourself. Make those changes today, do something now that your future self will thank you for. Whether that be revising for your next exam, losing weight, writing your dissertation or passing a driving test, if it's not working, the formula needs changing and the only person who can do that is you.
Failure leads to fantastic opportunities
As a graduate who was looking for a full time job, in my home city, in something which was relevant to my degree, I speak from experience on this one as well. Time after time I was applying for jobs, I must have sent my CV off at least fifty or sixty times for loads of different things over the course of six months and every time, I got emails back telling me 'on this occasion you were not considered for the role of...' or 'unfortunately, you've not made it to the second stage...' or 'regrettably, you have not been chosen for an interview'. It gets very tiring and often, it put my self-worth at rock bottom.
But I'm so glad that all those rejections came, because I now have a job that I've been doing for nearly 3 months now, in something which utilises my degree, in the heart of Nottingham, full time and I absolutely love doing it. If I'd have taken any old job, I wouldn't be doing this now. Doors will close in your face and when they do, I understand that it can be one of the worst feelings you can experience. But what you have to keep thinking is, just around the corner, a door will crack open and when it does, keep your foot in it because something worthwhile will come out of it - and that's a promise.
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I hope you enjoyed this and it helped somewhat. Sorry if it's a little rambly, but I think it's so important to talk about these things. Especially with today's children feeling pressured about exams for example. I just hope it helped someone! I will see you again really soon with another post :)
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Really enjoyed this one! I couldn't agree more aswell. Theres so much pressure on kids these days and the thought of failing can be terrifying for them! Sometimes you need to fail to understand where to go next. I've failed in life many times and it's got me to where I am today. It's all part of a journey.
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