One step forward and two steps sideways…this is the essence of failing forward.
Many of us have been conditioned to see setbacks – large or small – as a shameful failure. We make our best efforts wrong. Viewing them from the lens of failing forward means that we see what we have achieved as part of the journey to the desired outcome. This fuels us to keep going in the direction we want to go and not to give up.
Whether this has to do with our energy levels or a big work project, the principle is the same. Celebrate even what is first perceived as a failure and you may be surprised at the gift of that seemingly annoying setback.
Then come those moments that are pure gold. You know the one. When everything just falls into place and you look at the result in awe and wonder and go “How did that happen?” Tada! This is the moment to celebrate you and all your efforts to get to this point, even the ones you thought were a complete disaster. They were not. Honour yourself and those who stood by you when things were tough.
When the going gets tough:
- Pause…deep breath in…slow breath out…
- Surround yourself with positive people who support you
- Stay committed to your journey as it leads to meaningful transformation
- Learn and grow your way to what you desire, as resilience is forged through persistence
- Celebrate each effort, no matter how large or small, as this is important for your progress
- Boost your confidence by remembering the times when you achieved something you deemed impossible
“Everything you want is on the other side of fear.” – Jack Canfield
Here’s to the Success Salsa: one step forward, two steps sideways and some laughter sprinkled in! Let’s dance!
We always focus on what hasn’t gone to plan and yet so often as you say as even a deviation may yield something positive if viewed from a different perspective.
When we hold on too tightly to a plan and the exact way to get there, we become paralysed with the fear of failure. Tread lightly or dance lightly and remember keep your dream in mind and consider “This or something better!”
I agree. It is about having a plan and then letting it lead. My problem was that I would go into analysis paralysis and zero progress!