Failure / Set Backs

A benefit of measuring the progress of a specific, value-oriented strategy is that when failure darkens your doorstep, it can be dismissed as incidental, not coincidental, to your goal.

If a goal has true value and meaning, then it has purpose, and you are validated in that purpose.

A strategy, as your plan to fulfill that purpose and reach your goal, is merely a means to an end – albeit a very important means to a very important end. The strategy should never be confused with the goal it supports, so when you encounter failure along the path, do not assume that your goal is unachievable or worthless. It is not. It remains pure gold.

On the other hand, your strategy might be kaput. If you fail, keep trying. Failure doesn’t mean your goal is wrong, it means your plan is wrong. Ask yourself what went wrong and what needs to be fixed? Adjusted? Eliminated? Improved?



Big time "failure"... before he was president

Remember, the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result each time.

Never lose faith that you know how to reach your goal. If you crap out in a 10-mile race while training for your marathon, analyze what went wrong and endeavor to fix it (dehydrated, soreness, cramps, fatigue?). Don’t think for a moment that 26.2 miles is impossible.

You’ve heard that when Failure closes the door, Opportunity open a window. Failure is not the end. It is only an interruption. Just ask Abraham Lincoln. Better still, ask me.