Who defines and decides my failures?
Last week we talked about failure.
We said that failure is a valuable opportunity that fuels progress.
When I try to reach beyond my current "personal best," and I don't reach that goal... is that a failure?
When I try to practice a new "healthy habit," but I eat the muffin instead of the orange... is that a failure?
When I try to solve a problem, and my "first attempt” doesn't work... is that a failure?
Often, if others judge my performance as a failure... I believe them.
the Myth:
Others define and decide my failure and dictate to me what that failure means.
Occasionally, I might not just accept the judgement of others.
Instead, I judge my own performance by comparing it against the performance of others.
Let's say that I'm a new student at college. I'm struggling. My fellow students seem to have it all figured out. They make it look easy. Compared to them, I feel like a failure. But am I really failing?
I can't fail at being me. I am a gift in whatever state that I find myself.
the Model:
I choose to define and decide what "failure" is and how I will use it in my process and progress.
Others may define my failure and success as “either/or.”
(I am either a “failure" or a "success.”)
I can choose to see failure and success as “both and more.”
(I am more than the sum of my “failures and successes.”)
the Practice:
Consider an experience or situation that you judge as a “failure” and examine the following:
~ Judgements from others? (living from the "outside in")
~ Self judgements based on the judgements from others? (again, living from the "outside in")
~ Choosing the truth and reality from the Beyond within. (living from "inside out")
My value does not come from the judgements of others but from the Beyond within. I am a gift, progressing as me in my own unique process.
Remember,
You are not alone. We are in this Freedom Flow together.
Blessings,
Gene