Letting Go of Failure: Challenges Lead to Success
“Success is not a given, it is only discovered!
It is only discovered through trying and trying again.
Success is about recurring challenges.
Success is about recurring failures (that is the journey).
And in the end, it is about persevering just one more time than the number of challenges encountered, so
Success Inevitably Finds You!”
— PJ Rawlek
Starting Fresh:
Introducing any routine into your life, but especially a new fitness routine, can be daunting. Add to this initially you’re full of enthusiasm. Your excitement results in the setting of big goals, but then it happens: You miss a workout, then two, and you may start to feel deflated. Please realize experiences like this are how you find a better and eventually a successful path to your goal. You do need to lose to learn to win!. Remember, success isn’t about never stumbling; it’s about getting back up and moving forward.
The path to success is not about perfection, it is about progression!
Self-Compassion:
We’re often our harshest critics. When you fall short for whatever reason, don’t beat yourself up. Treat yourself the way you’d treat a friend—with understanding and encouragement—extend that same kindness to yourself.
Focus on progression, not on perfection!
Kara’s Story:
Take Kara, for example. She started strong, but life threw her a curveball. Consequently, she missed some workouts. She might feel disappointed in herself that she is missing workouts, but would you see her that way? Of course not. Setbacks happen. You’d tell her to adjust her expectations (goals), start from what she can do and keep going. Maybe 10 minutes of activity is all she can do today, and that is still a win!
Learn and Grow
Maybe you discover that your schedule needs adjusting, or that your goals need tweaking. And that’s okay. Life happens, and sometimes we need to pause, regroup, and come back stronger. Support yourself along the way—after all, you’re building a habit, and that takes time. Set your date to start again, and when you do, approach it with renewed energy.
Remember, there’s no failure, only learning experiences. In fact, failure is one of the best teachers.
You need to learn to lose to learn how to win.
There’s no deadline on this. There is no competition, and no judgment here. It is your journey and you progress at your own pace, in a way that’s right for you. Some days will feel more successful than others, but every day is progress. You’re building a habit, and that takes time. What’s most important is that you support yourself along the way AND cut yourself slack to grow.
The Way Forward:
Talk to someone who inspires you and learn from their challenges.
Reflect on your own setbacks and understand that they’re essential to growth.
Remember, every failure is a needed step closer to success. For example, think of a Canadian example of meeting failure and succeeding, Terry Fox.
