Some of the most famous—and successful—people in history first experienced failure in their lives. And sometimes a lot more than once. With presidential elections coming up soon, you might reflect on the path of Abraham Lincoln. For example, before he was elected president, Lincoln lost jobs, failed in business, and lost quite a number of elections for government positions. But he kept going and eventually became one of the most influential and beloved presidents in U.S. history.
The moral of the story? If you feel you’re trying really hard at your job but your best isn’t good enough, you’re probably being overly critical of yourself. Always remember that failure is simply an indication you may need to make some changes—and it’s always an opportunity for growth. So before you let yourself get discouraged, you can take a few steps to set yourself on a path to success. Here’s what you need to know.
Five Ways to Turn Failure Into Success
Everyone has bad days on the job—it’s part of life. But when you’ve had a setback, remember it’s only temporary. Then, try any one of the following five steps for using your failure as fuel to propel yourself towards success:
Get an Honest Outside Opinion
It feels good to talk to people who always tell you what they know you want to hear. But constructive (note—different from negative) feedback is what you need to learn and grow. Talk to your manager, boss, a close friend, family member, clergy member or someone who will listen to your story and offer possible reasons for the outcome. By getting another point of view, you may notice factors you didn’t see on your own.
Be Open to Suggestions and Ideas
When you’re talking to your trusted contact for an outside opinion of the situation, also ask for advice. What would they do in a similar position? You may think you already know what you should do, but keep your mind open to suggestions you may not have considered.
Listen to Your Inner Voice
Get a little introspective. Think about what you want from your career—is your current job aligned with your dreams for the future? Realize that what you used to want may (and most likely will!) shift as you progress through your career, and don’t be afraid to change course if it suits you. Sometimes making just a small change can make all the difference in your success rate.
Learn Something New
Maybe you failed because you didn’t have all the tools you needed to succeed. Taking a class, learning a new skill or even returning to school for a certification or advanced degree can give you the knowledge you need to be more successful in your career. Ask your employer if your current company offers training, or education reimbursement benefits.
Change Your Focus.
It could be that the job you’re currently doing isn’t exactly right for you. And that’s OK! The right career for you is out there, but you’ll need to take some time to figure out what it is. This might be something you’ll need to learn from experience—and remember that with practice, you will find your calling!
Need Guidance?
If you’re ready to explore your career choices, or even try something new through a temporary placement, Snelling Georgia Group can help. We’ll work with you to understand (or even develop) your career goals—to find success at a rewarding new job. To learn more, visit our job search page or contact us today!
