Yesterday at swim practice, our daughter Eva came running out of the pool crying.
Scared and overwhelmed.
She said; “Mommy, it’s too hard. I can’t do what they’re asking me to do.”
Some of the kids are strong swimmers and Eva’s still learning to swim. She was being challenged at the extreme end of her capabilities, and it was uncomfortable.
Learning a new skill is often scary and uncomfortable.
After taking a break and talking about it, I asked if she could get back in the pool and try her best, whatever that looked like (even if it was well below the coaches standards).
Choosing not to quit, even when it’s hard, is an important lesson.
She got back in the pool, and with the help of a coach, tried something new.
That night I told her I was really proud of her because she was scared, and it was hard, and she did it anyway.
Getting back in the pool of life.
Recently, I was disappointed with the results of a project at work. I felt discouraged and wanted to give up.
After taking some time to express my sadness and frustration, I decided not to let this setback stop me.
What if the difference between success and failure is refusing to give up?
Persistence = Refusing to give up = Key to success.
As a weekly contributor for Forbes, I interviewed a lot of extremely successful CEOs and entrepreneurs. When I asked for the secret to their success, the most common response was… persistence.
This is true in all areas of life.
I spent some time with my cousin this past weekend. In the past, she’s had trouble standing up for herself in romantic relationships. Recently, she met an incredible man with whom she has a strong connection. After a rocky start due to long distance, he was about to give up and end things.
She refused to accept it.
Laughing, she shared with me how she’d told this fabulous man he could NOT break up with her.
And he agreed!
It was a new feeling for her to take a stand for what she wanted and refuse to give up. Now she’s happily dating a man she loves.
Failure is inevitable. How we handle it makes all the difference.
If we treat all failure as feedback, and we persist, it’s just one little bump on the road to success.
The next time you experience failure, see if you can reframe it as feedback by asking; “Hmmm, what have I learned from this? What’s the gift in this?”
I’d love to know – what has helped you keep going when you’ve wanted to give up? Leave a comment below!
Great reflections Vanessa on the importance of learning from failure
Thanks Anita! I’m glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Hi Vanessa, I love this article. I especially love the piece where you wrote, “ If we treat all failure as feedback, and we persist, it’s just one little bump on the road to success.“ 2 years ago my 27 yo daughter passed. My life since that day has been a series of ups and downs. I struggle to believe she is still here with me in Spirit. I am constantly seeking new ways to help renew my faith such as meditation and yoga classes to name a few. Then I think I am wasting my time and want to just give up. Thank you for your article. It came in my email inbox at the perfect time. Patti
Thank you for your vulnerability and sharing Patti. I’m sad for your loss. And grateful to hear the article came at the perfect time for you. If you want more ways to connect with faith in your daughter’s spirit, I highly recommend Brian Weiss’s book Many Lives, Many Masters, it opened a whole new world of belief for me.
I like reading Vanessa’s short stories. It takes a minute to go through it, but definitely stays in my head subconsciously. Inspiration comes and goes, persistence makes things happen.
Thank you!
Hey Vanessa- I enjoyed your inspirational story; definitely some positive vibes. With some of the trial and tribulations, I have gone through in my life, I have often pondered that same question. The thing that I have noticed or became ‘aware’ of, is that I have learned more in life, through pain, then any undergraduate or graduate class I have ever taken. It is actually pretty morbid, to suggest pain, which obviously sucks, has brought more knowledge than anything else. Now, that is my learning experience; as far as what keeps me going, I would have to say hope. Hope is not an elusive or unattainable concept; it’s energy that is both motivational and inspirational. Have a great day. Stu
I love this Stu!!! That is such a great awareness that you’ve learned more in life through pain than any class you’ve ever taken. Wow – that is so true. I couldn’t agree more. And thank you for sharing that hope is what keeps you going. I’d love to know, when you feel down or discouraged, how do you tap into hope? What helps you access a hopeful state of mind?