If you want to get really depressed, consider making a list of everything you have ever done that failed.
Actually, don’t. That sounds like a terrible idea.
For me, it’s hard not to think life as a series of failed experiments and missed opportunities. A little over a year ago I found myself out of a job, with a broken car, and needing a new place to live. Despite the name of this blog, I completely gave up on my attempts to become a better version of myself. I went into disaster-mode, focusing only on immediate threats.
Unsuprisingly, things got worse.
Then slowly, things got better.
Now that my head is on a little more straight, it occurs to me: It doesn’t have to be so hard! Instead of giving up, I wish I had done three things (which I’m doing now).
1. Brainstorm a lot
When I was in emergency mode, I found myself constantly complaining “I just don’t know what to do!” Today, I’m making mind-maps and lists. The goal is continually to be dreaming up big ideas while simultaneously naming the next step I have to take.
2. Get a coach.
Knowing I’d hit my personal limit, I called in some help from Kairos Partnerships. My coach and I talk a few times a month about time management, church planting and my personal spirituality. While my coach provides some great resources, the main thing he does is help me name the next step I need to take.
3. Plan for (some) failure.
One reason I get so down on myself for past failures is an internal expectation that I can and should succeed. Now I realize what a waste of energy that can be. Today, I’m thinking about the main goal I want to accomplish, with the expectation I will probably fail a few times along the way.
What about you? How have you learned to move on after a failure?
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