Why There is No Such Thing As Failure
Have you ever left something in your life, stopped working a job, or removed a routine that was no longer supportive? Did you ever feel like you failed because you couldn’t “stick it out” or continue it forever?
We have sweeping expectations in our society that when we start something, we must finish it. This goes hand-in-hand with the notion of permanence. When we get our “permanent” full-time career, land our “forever” home or “the one” partner, then we have succeeded.
But what happens when we leave one of these pillars? What happens when a job becomes toxic or your home no longer fits your needs?
As a human species, we evolve, shift, change and grow. But so often we resist this, often unconsciously, because if we change then we may no longer meet the societal expectation of success. If we leave a career because it takes a toll on our health or we step away from a relationship that doesn’t provide us with what we need in connection, can we define this as success, instead?
Blindly, this change often gets labeled as a failure. If we have any part of us that is a perfectionist, this gets amplified. We feel like we couldn't do it or as though we weren’t enough. But, enough for what?
When you notice within yourself and your life that a change is needed, and you have the courage to make the change and take the actions required and follow through with it, this is success, not failure. When you make numerous attempts, explore, test and try to find your new path, this is success, not failure. When you feel the range of feelings that come with a life transition instead of ignoring them, this is success, not failure. When you allow yourself to grow, this is success, not failure.
As far as I’m concerned, there are no failures in life, only experiences that teach us something.
Grow on dear one. And for you, what change is calling that will create a positive impact in your current life? You are not failing, you are choosing yourself.
