Let’s face it, life is hard - and the sustained pursuit of a dream may arguably be harder. There are times when it seems to be an endless cycle of struggles and failed attempts to succeed and learn. With this, the old-timey phrase “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again” seems to get lost in the whirlwind of studying, working and learning that you call your life. Adults and role models may have drilled the saying in your head your entire academic life - but never actually told you how to “try, try again.” How do you “try again” at a Biology test you flunked when the test grade is final? How do you “try again” at an essay that you forgot to turn in that can’t be turned in late?

The reality of it is: Second chances are rarely given to you, and they rarely show themselves in the form of a second chance. With this in mind, it’s incredibly easy to see how people may give up, thinking that one failure defines their future chances for success. This mindset is called a “fixed mindset,” where someone who isn’t doing well in an academic or work related endeavor believes that their failure can be attributed to a fundamental intellectual shortcoming or unchangeable lack of ability. If this sounds like you, fear not! There is a better way to look at failure - and a better way to succeed.

Psychological research has shown that those who show grit and perseverance in times of failure have met with more success in life than those who believe that factors such as intelligence were indicators of potential success. These individuals have been found to have what is called a “growth mindset,” and instead of viewing failure as a lack of intelligence or ability , they instead view it as an opportunity to learn and grow intellectually. A person with a growth mindset encourages themselves to dig deeper when faced with adversities. For example, failing a test would not be seen by those with a growth mindset as a lack of intelligence, but rather as an opportunity to learn more about the subject and improve where mistakes were made.

So, how can this “growth mindset” be adopted? It takes a lot of hard work, willingness to fail, and personal accountability. However, it can most definitely be achieved and make you a more successful individual. Something as simple as making the time to speak with your professor about a topic that you couldn’t quite grasp in class may make a world of difference in the way you understand the subject you’re learning and permanently change the trajectory of your progress. The key is resilience and persistence. Forgive yourself when you make a mistake and learn quickly from it. Keep trying- and don’t wait for second chances, look for them and then make them happen!

Works Cited:

David Scott Yeager & Carol S. Dweck (2012) Mindsets That Promote Resilience: When Students Believe That Personal Characteristics Can Be Developed, Educational Psychologist, 47:4, 302-314, DOI: