Failure is such a loaded word.  The most popular definitions we latch onto are “Lack of Success”, “Falling Short”, or “One who has failed”.  As I write this I can feel my shoulders slump, and my energy fall into my stomach.  I remember using these definitions often.  Sometimes I would use it so often I would stop moving. Have you ever done that?

As I reflect back I realize that it was my perspective on Failure that was disempowering me.  What is your perspective on Failure?  Are you ready to shift it to one that is more empowering?  Here are some things for you to think about.

First, the energy behind this word is strong.  While it is possible to change the energy of words, it may be empowering to just drop it from your vocabulary completely.

Second, it’s not a failure. 

• Something didn’t work out the way it was intended.  It’s just different.
• This is just one of the ways this didn’t work.  Try another way. Thomas Edison said he found 10,000 ways not to build a light bulb, not 10,000 failures.
• Practice is a valuable skill to redevelop.  Sometimes it takes more than one or two tries to achieve something. Give yourself permission to practice.

Third, sometimes not achieving something the first time out works in your favour.

"Failure is a detour, not a dead-end street." ~ Zig Ziglar

Have you ever gone for a drive, and a detour sent you down a street you’d never been before only to discover a nifty little shop or restaurant you absolutely fell in love with?  Failures can often present amazing gifts, ideas or opportunities we might not have experienced otherwise. 

Here are some questions to ask yourself move through and transform Failure:

• What am I being reminded of in this moment? 
• Am I being asked to pause, breathe and look around me?
• What can I appreciate about this experience?
• Am I overlooking something important or valuable in this situation?
• Am I being shown something?
• Is there someone who can help me with this?

More powerful questions can be asked that are specific to your situation.  These should get you started.

It’s your perspective that changes your experience.  Failure is NOT bad, unless you choose it is so.  It’s an important and valuable part of your Journey.  Receive it as valuable, and the gifts will show themselves.

Yes, you can appreciate Failure.  This is one very important way you love and appreciate yourself.

Dream BIG!

Velma Gallant
The Queen of JOY!
Founder and Host of Welcome Changes Radio

PS ~ Is your detour is reminding you that it’s time to let go of being small, and Go BIG!

PPS ~ An excellent tool for transforming failure is the JOY Journal.  5 minutes a day can change everything!