Maya Angelou’s words are both inspiring and challenging. It’s easy to get discouraged when we face defeat after defeat, but Angelou reminds us that we must not give up.
Let’s face it, failure sucks. Whether it’s failing an exam, not getting the job we wanted, or getting rejected by a crush, it’s never a good feeling. But, as Angelou points out, we can’t let those defeats define us. So, how do we avoid being defeated? Here are some humorous and helpful tips:
- Laugh it off: When we fail, it’s natural to feel embarrassed or upset. However, sometimes the best thing we can do is to find the humour in the situation. Did you trip and fall in front of a crowd of people? Laugh it off! Did you accidentally send an embarrassing email to your boss? Make a joke about it! Laughter is a powerful tool, and it can help us move past our defeats with grace.
- Reframe your thinking: When we fail, it’s easy to fall into negative thought patterns. We might think, “I’m a failure” or “I’m never going to succeed.” Instead, try to reframe your thinking. Acknowledge that you failed but remind yourself that failure is a necessary part of growth. Ask yourself, “What can I learn from this experience?” By shifting your focus to the lessons learned, you can turn your defeat into a valuable opportunity for growth.
Try again: Maya Angelou encourages us not to be defeated, but that doesn’t mean we should never fail. In fact, failure is often a necessary step on the road to success. So, if at first, you don’t succeed, try again! Whether it’s applying for a job, asking someone out, or pursuing a dream, don’t let one defeat stop you from trying again. Remember, every successful person has failed at some point.
Seek support: When we fail, it’s important to have a support system in place. Whether it’s friends, family, coach or a therapist, having people to turn to can make all the difference. Not only can they offer words of encouragement, but they can also help us gain perspective and come up with a plan to move forward.
If you feel that you would like some help dealing with some of your challenges, maybe we should chat.
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