HOW TO FIND YOUR STRENGTH IN FAILURE

Obstacles will inevitably come up when you try to reach a new goal, but how you move forward in times of perceived failure will define your success.  Let’s find the fun in failure.


BY:  TARYN SCHUBERT, RD

Have you ever found yourself in a position where you were unable to complete a health goal that you set out to accomplish?

It sucks. Failure doesn’t feel good. But just because you fail something doesn’t make you a failure.

In fact, let’s talk a little bit about failure.

Does that word make you cringe? Nobody likes failure. In fact, our society teaches us that failure is something we should avoid. In our effort to avoid failure, we often don’t even bother to try. Fear of failure stops us before we even get to the action stage of change.

But the truth is, failure is the only way you learn.

Failure is a good thing, a great thing even. But it certainly doesn’t feel that way in the moment.

Failure, in reality, is a gift because it makes you reevaluate. Today’s failure means you can look back on your day – “Did I eat enough? Did I get enough rest in between my workouts?”

And if that doesn’t seem to be the problem; look at the bigger picture – “Do I need to do more, or do I need more assistance? Do I really need to improve my diet, or do I need to just change my mindset?”

In order to overcome failure, we have to get real and be honest with ourselves. What went wrong? What went right? What can you do differently next time?

And then the most important part – try, try again.

It’s easy to say this…and when you’re licking the wounds of your failure, it can feel nearly impossible. But trying again is where the rubber really meets the road. You may fail again, even if you think you learned from the failure before.

But, remember, you failed before and it didn’t kill you.

It may feel easier to just walk away, but if what you’re working toward is a healthier, happier life, can you really live with the alternative?

Allow yourself to appreciate these as moments that allow you to reflect on what you want out of life and begin working towards it. So if you miss a workout, or let the stress of the day get to you, just remember –

No road worth traveling is ever perfect.

Adapted from the original article.

Taryn Schubert, RD is a Los Angeles-based Registered Dietitian who helps people create healthy diets that fit their lifestyle. With her specialty in adult weight management and mindful eating, Taryn believes food should be a source of joy and nourishment, not “good” or “bad” in the way society perpetuates. Visit Taryn and begin creating your healthier relationship with food.