Why Your Failures Are Not Necessarily Failures | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Why Your Failures Are Not Necessarily Failures

"The road to success is paved with failure."

30
Why Your Failures Are Not Necessarily Failures
Allison Fallon

It is awful to judge yourself based on your past failures. We must overcome the negative connotation connected to failing, because honestly, failure is a part of the process of becoming successful. The first step to success is acknowledging your own failures, and realizing that everybody fails sometimes. Failure does not mean you won't eventually succeed. Sometimes failures are even necessary for your success in a particular area. A positive way to look at your failures is as if they are stepping stones for you to make it to the other side of the creek–to your own success.

Sometimes the pressures to succeed in school, at work, or in life in general, are just too much for us to handle. Take it from me--a living, breathing ball of anxiety--that pressures can basically immobilize you and cause you to not be able to progress in anything. There are dangers associated with high expectations and the pressure to succeed. If you find yourself being crushed by the expectation to exceed, seek help. Failure is sometimes inevitable and actually the only way to escape certain stress. I can say from personal experience that sometimes you have to fall to your lowest point to realize where you are in life and decide if you want to stay there.

For me, it happened my freshman year of college. It took me experiencing failure for me to realize that my major was definitely not right for me. Two semesters later, I am happy in my major and have been successful in all of my classes. Maybe in your case, turning failure into success looks something like having to hit rock bottom in your job or relationship to realize how to better yourself and rise up from the rubble.

It's hard to admit and accept our failures, especially if we committed a lot of time and effort to whatever failed. My advice is to be honest with yourself. Evaluate your situation and accept your failure. This is good for two reasons: it's a weight off of your shoulders, and you are now willing to leave the past in the past and move forward. I believe that a life lived comfortably without progression is a waste of potential. It is not healthy to wallow in self-pity, (although sometimes it seems like the only way to heal) so it is important to use your failures as a tool for success.

No matter where you are in relation to your past failures or how others see you after having failed, you have the opportunity and power to overcome and conquer. Do not allow failures to hold you back. Try, try again until you are where you want to be in life.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Sorority
Rebekah Lee

I remember my freshman year oh so well. I remember feeling terrified the night before orientation. The one thing that I dreaded the most was not the new people, the new environment, or even the academic pressure. I was dreading having to talk to sorority girls about Recruitment. I remember cutting off and avoiding any Rho Gamma/Panhellenic Officer that came my way during First Week. I looked at them like they had asked me to cut my arm off whenever they asked me if I wanted to rush. To be honest, I did not even know what rush was, but I knew that I did NOT want to be a part of it. To me, it was dumb. It was a waste of money. It was a waste of my time.

And guess what? I did not rush my freshman year. I spent the first half of my freshman year isolating myself from everyone on campus. I spent all of my time in the library, and then (since I was a commuter) went back home once my work was finished.

Keep Reading...Show less
10 Must Watch Shows During Winter Break
Netflix

Now that the semester is over, you are probably wondering what your purpose of life is beside writing essays and constantly studying. Breaks give you time for some rest and relaxation, and what better way to relax than cuddling with some hot cocoa and some Netflix. Here is a list compiled of shows that must make it into your binge watching sessions, with the website in which you can find it. Enjoy!

Keep Reading...Show less
Disney Princesses
The Odyssey
Tiana would no doubt be disappointed in the food our cafeteria has to offer.

And hopefully she would cook for everyone in her dorm.

She definitley would not take any 8:00 am classes because she would be up late baking and cleaning up the communal kitchen that are available in every dorm.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

The Struggles of Being A Last Semester Senior, As Told By Michael Scott

25 reasons your last semester in college is the best and worst time of your life

1636
Michael Scott

The day you walked onto your school's campus for the first time you were scared, excited, and unsure of how the next four years of your life were going to turn out. You doubted it would go fast and even though you weren't positive about what your future plans would hold, you had plenty of time. You figured out your major, added a minor or two, joined a handful of organizations and all of the sudden you're here. Your final semester of undergrad. Now you've got 25 problems and graduation is only one.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Syllabus Week At UD Explained By "The Office"

"The Office" understands the struggle of the first week back from winter break.

1272
the office

January 19th is the first day of the second semester at the University of Dayton, and students couldn't be more excited. However, the excitement that students are experiencing may be short-lived once they see what this semester's courses will entail. Although students will be happy to be back at Dayton, they may realize this semester will be more difficult than they predicted. Here are some things that happen during syllabus week explained by " The Office."

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments