LIFE

So you failed. Whether you couldn’t solve for x on time or you didn’t understand a single word on that French exam, we are here to tell you it's OK. Failure is going to happen, and it’s going to suck, but it exists for a reason. With every failure there is something to be learned—don’t let the lesson go to waste!

Think about the why
The first thing to do after feeling the disappointment of a failure is to reflect on what you did to get there. For example, if you failed a test, think about which study habits were ineffective. Be honest with yourself about where you may have slipped.

Make a plan
After you found the root of your problem, you can create a new plan to tackle your challenge and try again. “I was getting behind in all of my AP classes. I got so overwhelmed that I lost motivation and just stopped caring until I saw my grades,” said GL reader Tess about her sophomore year of high school. Time management is an important life skill that will take some trial and error to perfect. In an instance such as Tess’s, you could start actively using a planner to track all of your responsibilities. Seeing everything in one place can keep you organized and counteract the discouraging feeling of being overwhelmed. You can also buddy up with someone who scored higher than you on that particular test. Consider studying together next time so that you both benefit from the other's strengths. 

Give yourself a compliment
It’s very easy to start doubting yourself when you get knocked down. It’s best to remember that you are your only competition and to never compare yourself with others. Everyone’s journey to success is different, and every failure is a detour in the right direction. Congratulate yourself whenever you overcome an obstacle or have a feat. You deserve it. 

How do you bounce back from failure?

by Cassandra R Lopez | 10/8/2019