Powerful Ways to Thrive in the Midst of Change, Disappointment,
and Failure
There will be many times in our lives when we are forced to deal
with change, disappointment, and failure. These events should
not be viewed negatively, but as opportunities to uncover routes
to greater success. Life often presents us with these
opportunities, yet they are disguised as obstacles, roadblocks,
and detours. If we exhibit keen insight, these "obstacles" will
offer us lessons that could be learned by no other means. It is
up to us to overcome emotional let downs and find ways to thrive
in the midst of these temporary setbacks. In the face of great
challenges, here are a few ways to get you back on track.
Assess and Correct
In order to correct our missteps, it is of paramount importance
that we understand the root cause of our failures. Determine if
the basis was flawed planning, faulty execution, or competitive
pressure. When you understand the cause, it becomes much easier
to design an effective countermeasure.
Look for the Message or Meaning in Failure
Through change, disappointment, and failure, there is a message
being communicated; a weakness that is being brought to your
attention. Failure is one of life's most valuable teachers. It
will redirect your course to more favorable paths.
Change Direction
With your analysis, determine if your failure was based on an
improper course. Don't let your ego blind you to the fact that
you may need a new plan. Failure often reveals subtle details
that can lead you to enormous success on your subsequent
attempts. It may be appropriate to change direction. Look for
the lessons revealed in your efforts, whether they are success
or failure. Evaluate your method to determine if it is still the
most logical course of action.
Compare Yourself to Successful Organizations and People
Seek to identify and adopt the best practices of the most
successful organizations and people. By modeling their
behaviors, strategies, and tactics, you follow a proven roadmap
to success. Also presented is the opportunity to improve upon
methods to uncover breakthroughs that can help you dominate in
your field.
Consult with Experts
Another surefire way to get back on track is to consult with
experts in the field. They can give you insights into areas you
might have overlooked. Seek professionals who can help you
identify and improve the areas that most directly impact your
success. The benefits will far outweigh the costs.
Form Strategic Partnerships
A smart way to recover from setbacks and position yourself for
future accomplishment is to form strategic partnerships. The
right partnership will create a synergy that will multiply the
return for all parties involved. One of the key factors to look
for in a partnership is someone that compliments you and your
organization, whose strengths are your weaknesses, particularly
in the areas of your life and business that have the greatest
impact. By forming such partnerships you will see immediate
returns because you have aligned yourself with experts; the
development time will be much shorter.
Think bigger
Often times we miss opportunities because our thinking is too
narrow. Fortune favors the bold; think large, be decisive.
Thinking big will put you in contact with different types of
people that agree with your way of thinking. The relationships
you forge are a direct reflection of your mentality. Thinking on
a larger scale will create a different level of interest in your
project. Many times it can be easier to raise ten million
dollars in funding than one million.
Focus
Opportunities also exist in a narrow scope. To make
advancements, consider the archer's concentration. By
concentrating on fewer, but key areas, you can thrive in the
midst of change, disappointment, or failure. Evaluate the areas
of your life or business that have the greatest impact on your
success and direct your focus there.
Get More Knowledge/Education/Retrain
There will be times where you realize your skill set or the
skill set of your staff is insufficient to meet the competitive
demands of your field. Therefore, it is imperative that you
constantly look for opportunities to keep your skills updated.
In your pursuit, determine if your lack of knowledge was a
contributing factor to your lack of success. If you don't update
your skills, you will find failure at your doorstep. Others in
the market place are constantly improving; you must do the same
if you expect to effectively compete.