by Nancy Horton

Created on: April 17, 2008   Last Updated: September 02, 2008

Depending on the perspective you have in life will determine rather or not you think something is a failure or a lesson learned. Is the glass half full (the perspective of lessons learned) or is the glass half empty (the perspective of failure)?

Failure is something that has absolutely "no solution". And how many experiences in life have you really had that had absolutely no solution? Chances are these experiences might not have worked out with "plan A", however, "plan B" might be the solution; and therefore it is not a failure if a solution can be found. It just means that plan A was not the direction you needed in order to accomplish it. And sometimes these are simply experiences of personal growth, and not a failure.

So first you must determine rather or not this experience is truly a failure, or is it simply lessons in life. By determining the difference between the two, you are helping yourself in a couple different ways.

One, if an experience is truly a failure, meaning there is absolutely nothing that you can do to change or better the situation; then acceptance is your next step. Accepting it for what it is. And accepting that this particular experience is just not meant for you. Let it go, and move forward with life in a positive direction by searching for what is meant for you. And that concept alone (depending on your perspective) doesn't necessarily have to be considered a failure either. It just wasn't meant for you, or at this point in your life.

Two, if this experience is a life lesson. Then acknowledge it as so, a lesson, not a failure. Just because your prior efforts have not brought a solution does not mean that you have failed. Simply evaluate the situation, find the answers in which will bring a positive change. Sometimes this may even require the help from others in order to achieve it, and that is okay. Not always can we accomplish something on our own, this doesn't mean that you have failed either. However, the good news is you have acknowledged that it is not a failure, and that even if you don't have the answer this very moment; it can be found, and accomplished. Sometimes life's lessons take time to work itself out as well. Keeping this in mind will help you to continue to move forward, knowing that one day you will achieve the solution to the matter.

Over all, failure doesn't necessarily have to be a bad thing. Acknowledging that there are certain things that you have control over and some that you don't will bring you a sense of peace, wisdom, and inner strength. Enabling you to continue in life with the experiences that are meant for you. You are unique, creative, and hold the power to move your life in any direction you wish to go. Yes, there may be road blocks, and this is when you choose a new path. However, which ever path you choose to travel, consider the perspective that you have in life. Consider acknowledging the goodness in life, and all of which life offers you, and bless you.

Learn more about this author, Nancy Horton.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.