Recently, my daughter got to the final phase of a mini competition and lost. She had won a statewide competition few days before then. I could see her teary eyes after the loss. When we got home, I engaged her in a talk. She told me; “Daddy, it pained me. “I replied; “I know. You need to know how to handle failure.”
Friend, you need to know how to handle failure. Actually, the strength of a man is not in his attitude towards success but his response to failure (Proverbs 24:10). Knowing how to handle failure is perhaps one of the most important skills anyone can acquire. On your journey to success, you would encounter some failures. How you interpret and handle those matters.
You need to know failure for what it is. Failure is not final. Some people see failure as the opposite of success. This is not so. Failure is actually part of the success mix. Sometimes you would not appreciate success until you have tasted failure. Courage is knowing how to move from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm (Acts 20:24).
Success mentality will help you not to see life as win or lose. It is actually win or learn. What people call failure can be your most valuable education on the subject of success. Sometimes, those who have not failed before are not worth listening to as far as the subject of success is concerned.
When you fall, make sure you pick up something (Proverbs 24:16). Don’t waste your failure or pain. Out of your past pain can come your greatest gain? Out of the crucible of failure can come your finest success? Until you learn how to handle failure, lasting success might elude you. We handle failure by fixing our gaze on the destination, not the detour (Philippians 3:12-14).
The fear of failure has imprisoned many people on the journey of success. (Matthew 25:24-29). It is better to attempt something and fail than to succeed at attempting nothing. People only remember doers, not just dreamers. It’s good to dream but you have got to wake up to fulfil it. Don’t let the thought of past failures stop you from enjoying the blessings of future success.
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria