FORWARD

And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast, and now they were able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish – John 21:6

What is your attitude to falls and failure? How do you respond to failure – in yourself and others? Are you afraid of failure? Do you look down on those who fail around you? No doubt, failure is almost the worst experience imaginable. All kinds of strange emotions rush in on the one who failed. We can learn from Peter. There are two parts to his story – his three-fold denial the night Jesus was arrested; and how Christ forgave and restored him (Mt.26:34-35, 75; Jh.21:15-17). Peter was in charge of his failure. Christ took charge of his restoration. Why did Jesus ask Peter three times, “Do you love me?” Answer: Because Peter had denied him three times. He also did this publicly, because Peter denied him publicly. The other disciples needed to hear Peter openly declare his love for Christ. Without hearing those words, the doubts would linger forever.

Behind this story lies a wonderful, liberating, hope-filled truth: Failure is an event, not a destiny. As Peter’s story abundantly proves, it’s not the initial failure that ruins; it’s what happens next that matters. Failure doesn’t mean you have blown everything. It means you have some hard lessons to learn. Success and failure sometimes come in the same package. That someone is a success doesn’t mean that he has never made mistakes, committed blunders or missed a mark. What is expected is that the successes outweigh the failures. Failure in itself is insignificant – it’s what you do afterward that counts. Failure can be an instrument to convert impossibilities into possibilities; because failure is not final. Whoever accepts failure as a final, absolute, and incontrovertible judgement of potential or future achievements may falter the rest of his or her life.

The true learner on the Journey of Success learns to “fail forward.” Success doesn’t mean avoiding failure. As we travel, we all hit potholes, take wrong turns, or forget to check the road-signs. The only person who avoids failure altogether is the one who never left the driveway. What is paramount is whether you profit from failure or allow it to send you on a permanent detour. Those who are so afraid to fall or fail spend their whole lives avoiding risks or decisions, tend to remain stagnant, and seldom learn the life’s most significant lessons. Failure is not necessarily fatal or final. In fact, it can be a springboard to success. Falls and mistakes are learning experiences and opportunities for growth and improvement. Never dwell on the negative consequences of failure, thinking of what might have been and how things haven’t worked out. Rather, focus on the rewards of success; learn from your mistakes and think about how you can improve yourself and your situation.

Your attitude toward failure will determine whether it bogs you down or helps you along. Failures are like distance markers: each time you fail, you’ve travelled another kilometre farther on the road to your potential. The greatest of athletes and sport-stars have histories of lost races, excruciating injuries, and failed events, but they readjusted, relearned, retuned, and corrected their techniques. Each time you experience a fumble, failure or fall; remind yourself that you’re one step closer to your potential and dreams. Don’t take failure personally or internalize it. That you failed does not make you a failure! When things go wrong, ask ‘Why’, not ‘Who’. Don’t look for someone to blame; falling back to the errors of Adam and Eve. Look for lessons to learn, testimonies to share, and gratitude to give. People who play the blame-game for their failures hardly ever overcome them! Choose to see the profits in failure: it could signal a time to change direction or strategy.

Failure could strengthen or redirect you: if you keep hitting the wall, it may be time to back up and detect the door. Learn to laugh at failure; keep a sense of humor; relieve stress; and be refreshed. If you must fail or fall; FALL FORWARD!