Although failure can be intrinsically challenging to accept, we can rebound with style. Following a setback, the best way forward is to give ourselves space and time to reflect and learn from the experience.
Nothing worth pursuing or deemed meaningful is ever guaranteed. But a practice of self-reflection is key to personal and professional development. And strangely, it also has the power to positively affect our posture and mindset over time, making us more resilient and flexible when difficult or uncertain situations present themselves. Through consistent practice, our courage muscle grows. We become more sensitive, compassionate, and understanding of ourselves and others.
A shift takes place. Our narrative flips.
We begin to recognize failures as opportunities for growth, experiences that hold the potential to help us move forward towards the people we want to be, the value we want to share, the change we want to make.
The alternative is to ignore the gift of self-reflection, hold on to what's familiar and safe, shield ourselves to new ideas and possibilities, and remain idle.