Some people define success as an achievement of specific personal or professional goals such as landing a stable job, earning a degree, or winning an award. Others measure success through financial prosperity, believing that a substantial income or significant assets are key indicators of accomplishment. For many, success is about finding personal fulfillment and happiness in life.
But what if these standard indicators only tell part of the story? What if the true meaning of success involves something deeper and more transformative?
Understanding the real meaning of success requires giving yourself permission to fail and embracing setbacks. Even at a young age, society taught us to fear failure. We’re told that to succeed, we must avoid failure at all costs, and that failure is a sign of weakness. But what if failure isn’t our enemy but a valuable friend that helps us grow?
Failures are not just obstacles; they are opportunities for growth and learning. I used to fear failure more than anything. My biggest concern was falling short of expectations. However, over time, I’ve realized that failure isn’t as dreadful as it seems. It is an inevitable part of life and something we cannot always control.
Instead of letting it overwhelm us, we should see it as a chance to improve and adapt. By giving ourselves permission to fail, we unlock the potential for valuable learning experiences that challenge us to evolve and redefine our goals.
Success isn’t solely about reaching a destination but about the resilience and growth we develop throughout our journey, including its inevitable setbacks. Failure doesn’t define who we are. Rather, it enhances our path to success. As British Politician Winston Churchill wisely said, “Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.”
To truly succeed, we must embrace failure. Instead of thinking, “I should’ve done better,” we can tell ourselves, “Sayang, but we can try again tomorrow.” This mindset allows us to persevere and continue moving forward.
