Young children don’t have a concept of failure, they literally don’t know what it is. Those of us chronologically advanced often see it, note it, avoid it, and find ourselves in a less than enthused state of mind if it happens often. We hear and read about successful people often, and yet we don’t always hear just how many times they failed, but I imagine there’s a certain resilience and passion that drives them forward. Ultimately, one really ought to love what they’re doing and taking action or otherwise, derive a deep level of meaning and satisfaction from their efforts.
What would happen if we simply got up, swiped the dirt off, and tried again with a true sense of adventure and fun? I would imagine a new opportunity might show up, a new perspective, another door yet to be opened. In the mind and heart of a three year old, that’s not difficult, usually there’s one more thing to discover and learn. I’d say the hard part is continually sustaining that sense of enthusiasm. So how does one do it?
- Continually build up your reserves – by maintaining good health
- Gain a sense of your purpose, know your mission – remember this
- Seek action in alignment with vision
- Have supports and collaborators
- Be tough and compassionate
- Don’t judge your actions or results as failure, but rather as discovery, progress, and learning.
- Learn to not take yourself so seriously
- Note the choices that you may have made and under-prepared for, and go forward with new knowledge.
- Remember to be young at heart and a little rough and tumble play is part of the process.
Several points to ponder; however, in true life-coaching style, you are the one to answer some questions; a scripted guide will never really get us through life. A rough drawing maybe. So here’s my thought, fall like you’re three and don’t let your adult conscious get in the way of a good time! Life and business isn’t clean, safe, and predictable; often it’s messy, risky, and changeable.
Get up and play big in 2013.
Some more suggested blog posts. If you’re looking for answers or want to make some changes and feel stuck, you may want to read them all.
Failures; Stumbling Blocks Or Stepping Stones
Happy New Year!
Jeannie is a graduate of St. Paul Collage of Visual Arts, accomplished mixed media artist and published jewelry designer. She is the originator of the Echo Creative Team and of the Do Over Challenge. When she is not creating art, she helps people live happy, healthy lives.
Wonderful post Jeannie! So time appropriate, too – for me, anyway! This is the time of year I get down on myself for not accomplishing all that was on my ‘to do this year’ list and re-evaluate it and either chuck certain things on it or add it to next year’s list of accomplishments to strive for. I like to read Paulo Coehlo’s book, The Alchemist, it seems to put me back on track. I will have to check into the books you suggested as well – they look good!! Thanks again!
Words to live by
Thanks Shelly. The suggested reading are my blog posts. Just thought I’d mention that so you don’t go looking for books.