This week we spent several days talking about the different components of failure. In a traditional school setting, failure is often something that is frowned upon. However, I have learned that failure is not always a bad thing. With failure, you can accept it or reject it. I learned that by failing, you can also learn a lesson. You can learn how to not make the same mistake again. Failure can encourage you to strive harder to reach your goal the next time. Failure in life is good. I know that it sounds weird, but think about it. We are not perfect and will make mistakes. However, by learning from those mistakes, we can become better human beings.
When I was almost 16, I finally took my learner's permit test. The reason I took it so late was because my parents would not let me take Drivers Ed as a freshman. Instead, I took it as a Junior. I was angry and ready to drive. That anger and bitterness towards my parents inflated my mind. I thought that it was going to be so easy and I would easily pass. But when I took the test, I failed. If I had gotten one more point, I would have passed. That feeling of failure was so terrible. I was very emotional, but after I got over my feelings, I was humbled. The next week, I studied for the test and got a perfect score. From that failure, I learned that in order to succeed, you have to prepare. You cannot succeed by "winging it".
If you feel like a failure, I would encourage you to just keep trucking on. There are different seasons in life. Sometimes, you will be happy, and sometimes you will feel like all you have is failure. But keep trucking on. A pastor once told me that life is like a slingshot. We get pulled back, but then, we get shot forward into much better situations than what we were previously in. You may be in a season where you feel like a failure, but I promise you that you will eventually be shot forward into blessings and success. If you feel like you're a failure, think about and be thankful for the small things in life. Be thankful that you have a house, food to eat, and clothes to wear.
Other people can't want it more than you. Friends, family, and peers can all want you to land into success, but if you do not want it more than them, not much can change. You have to want to succeed, then take the steps to go and achieve your goals.
This is what a "growth mindset" is. You have to want and believe that you can succeed, then go and JUST DO IT. This is an such a vital part of your character because you can either sit and let your dreams be dreams or go out and change your atmosphere. Set the tone for yourself and others. Like Shia Labeouf said, "Don't let your dreams be dreams. Go out and DO IT!"
Personally, I am very hard and critical on myself. I might feel like I failed even if my product is okay. I think the best way to cultivate a growth mindset is to use the power of encouragement. By encouraging others, you can empower them to believe in themselves. When my pastors or parents encourage me, I feel like I can fly. When people are encouraged, they feel like they can make a difference in their lives.
So I hoped I encouraged you to strive for success. Please share this with others to spread the encouragement.
Don't forget to smile!
Nathan
