Why You Should Forgive Your Failures

Mistakes are a fundamental part of life. Human beings are flawed. We cannot process information exponentially. We can’t calculate all possible outcomes of anyone’s decision, and it is, therefore, a fact that we will inevitably experience a feeling of failure in our life.

What is Failure?

Failures can be separated into two categories: Outcome failures, which is when the desired outcome of a scenario is not achieved, and process failures, when the desired result of a scenario is achieved, but the process of achieving it is deemed to be below standards or dis-satisfactory.

Failure means not to achieve desired results. It is a broad and ambiguous definition, and it is supposed to be because failures are usually subjective. What one person may perceive to be a success could quite easily be seen as a failure to another person. And quite often we are our own worst critic when it comes to analyzing the success and failures within our own life.

Feeling a Failure

Failures are a part of life, and sometimes we can achieve success and still have the dark cloud of failure hanging over us. And in a world of social media, where our lives can be seen on a wall of photos, likes, mistakes, and a wrong turn, seeing our perceived inadequacies have never been easier. The sad truth is that more and more people are experiencing the feeling of being a failure.

It can be seen in teenagers right through to retirees; feelings of deficiency do not discriminate and can have serious effects on our mental health. Seeing yourself as a failure can have a huge effect on your emotional well-being. Linked closely to anxiety, depression, and stress, it can leave you with a sense of hopelessness, loneliness, and a feeling of overwhelming sadness. This can have a physical effect on our bodies too, leading to lack of sleep and unexplainable aches and pains.

Dealing with Failure

The good news is there are things you can do to reduce the feeling of failure and overcome the negative side effects of it.

Control Your Narrative

You know that voice in your head that says you failed? That voice is you. And you can control it. The next time you start to beat yourself up about a choice you make, say stop. Sit back and change the narrative to be more positive or constructive.

Celebrate Success

Congratulate yourself when things go right. Taking the time to acknowledge your achievements can help to silence the nagging feeling of failure, lurking in the back of your mind.

A Note from GR8NESS

Failures happen. If you look at the most successful people in history, it is easy to see their mistakes, the moments where it all fell apart. And if they had allowed the feeling of failure to take charge, perhaps they would have never become successful. You need to remember that you are not perfect, and failures are inevitable. So, don’t let your failures define you; forgive yourself.