More learning, practicing writing, setting goals, and discovering obstacles upon obstacles, followed. Sometimes overcoming; sometimes feeling like a failure.
Hope returned last August. , I took advantage of a free consultation
with a writing coach. She suggested I self-publish a book series on miracles. Problems appeared from the left and the right, delaying me. Finally, this project started in January, with her at the helm.
My husband’s double-pneumonia provided a slow beginning. A published date went from June 1 to August 1. This month, I surrendered to postponing it once again…making me feel like a failure.
Believing in perseverance, I keep forging ahead. The following are some ways of handling failure I thought of while overcoming my own emotions.
1. Change expectations.
In my case, my writing expectations were too high; not realistic. Focus on breaking goals down into bite-size pieces. In other cases, people believe they failed because they didn’t reach what they perceived to be someone else’s expectation. When this happens, communicate to clarify actual expectations, instead of perceived ones. Or, educating a boss about our
needs (unable to do certain task without more time, training, or help).
2. Accept what you cannot control.
Like the Serenity Prayer states, we need to accept the things we cannot
change. Sometimes failure is a result of circumstances outside our
control (sickness, help not showing up, others’ mistakes, or appliances
breaking). In these cases, don’t blame yourself. Pick up your sagging
chin and get back in the saddle as soon as possible.
3. Learn from mistakes and try again.
Successful people always emphasize, “You haven’t failed, if you learn from your mistake.” Worse case scenario is you really failed at one task, or one job. Ask yourself why, and change before doing it again. You are now focusing on the solution; not the problem.
4. Trust God completely.
Many trust only in their own ability, but when we can learn to trust God with all of our heart, then the above suggestions will work hand in hand. The verse in Isaiah makes it easier to place your trust in God completely.
A great example is while my stories remain stored in files, they have ministered to me in trials we’ve faced this year. God knows our needs.
His timing is perfect.
Let’s Talk. How often do you fight failure? What helps you the most?
Please share your story and advice with us in the comments below.
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© 2018, Jena Fellers. All rights reserved.
Hey Jenna.
I think point 4 is most relevant of all. When all is said and done, it really is up to Him what we accomplish anyway. As we look at life, and God, I understand that He opens doors and He closes them. I have the responsibility to go through those He opens, and accept His will with those He closes. And to trust and wait on Him for everything else.
When I think of failure I think failure comes when for whatever reason I didn’t do what I knew I should. Not couldn’t, but wouldn’t or didn’t. In all other situations of life it is simply working through the processes and challenges of life. There are victories and there are defeates, and there is how we deal with both.
In the end it is all about what Paul says in 2 nd Timothy 4 where he says I have fought the good fight, I have kept the faith and I have finished my course and henceforth there is a crown of righteousness laid up for me, and not only me but for all who love His appearing. (BPV Bob’s paraphrased version)
In the end it’s now waiting I successful, it’s was I faithful… Be faithful, finish your course, hear those words “Well done my good and faithful servant , enter into my rest.” There is the ultimate point of success.
Correction: it’s not was I successful it’s was I faithful
Well said, Bob. Appreciate your insight, and perspective. As always, words of wisdom. Be blessed.