Failure is a natural part of life and business. Countless articles have been written on the subject, and they usually express the same basic idea -every failure has a few bits of success in it. This is a great mentality to have.

Unfortunately, when faced with failure, it can be challenging to remember its benefits. That's why we have come up with a guide to help you better embrace failure and build the skills you need to keep working toward success.

1. Admit It and Take Responsibility 

The first and most essential step in embracing failure is acknowledging it. As difficult as that may be, doing so can often be a liberating experience. For many people, the most challenging part of admitting to failure is the vulnerability that comes with it. The admission opens you up for both internal and external criticism. But that's ok. If you never admit what happened and take responsibility for it, you can't move forward. If you never acknowledge your failures, you can never move forward.

2. Don't Take It Personally

The next thing to remember and work towards is not internalizing your failures. Failure, like success, is an event. Neither is indicative of you as a person, your abilities, or your value. A part of embracing a loss is recognizing it for what it is. Failure is merely one of two possible outcomes in a given situation. 

3. Accept How You Feel

Just because you shouldn’t take failures personally does not mean they do not hurt. Attempting to ignore and push past those feelings can negatively affect your productivity and make it difficult to learn from the failures. What makes failure a learning experience is its lessons, but those lessons can't be realized if the effects are not fully felt. It is ok to be frustrated, disappointed, or angry after you fail if those emotions are the motivation for your continued development. 

4. Look at Failure Objectively

Reframe past failures as if they were experiments. You had an idea or hypothesis that you attempted to test, and it did not work. When that happens, you don't quit; you head back to the drawing board. Failure provides you with the opportunity to plan with vital information you did not have the first time. 

If you are looking for more support on reframing failure, we are here to help. Contact us today to learn more.