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People are susceptible to failure, and it is something that everyone faces at some point or another in their lives.
Some people can overcome failure, while others let it defeat them. It is essential to understand that failure is not the end but rather a learning experience. It’s something that teaches people to be resilient and to strive for success.
For Ngien Hoon Ping, the Chief Executive at the Land Transport Authority in Singapore, this means using the challenges he faces as his motivation to do his responsibilities efficiently. He was put to the test when he made a goal to prevent accidents from happening to his SMRT technicians, the largest public transport provider in Singapore.
Since the nature of the job of SMRT technicians is to work on train tracks, it is a hazardous occupation. Mr Ping’s goal was to have zero accidents within the SMRT workplace. Unfortunately, there were still some accidents that occurred, but he used this as motivation to improve the safety procedures and standards for his technicians.
As you can see, even someone in a high position can face failure. However, they used this experience as motivation to strive for better results. You can do the same in your own life. Here are some tips to help you use failure to stay motivated.
Acknowledge your role in the failure
Failure is a part of life. Everyone experiences it at some point, but how you deal with failure determines your success. When you encounter a setback, take responsibility for your role in the situation.
This doesn’t mean you should beat yourself up or dwell on what went wrong. Instead, acknowledge your mistakes and use them as a learning opportunity. By taking responsibility for your failures, you’ll become more resilient and better equipped to handle future challenges.
Analyze what went wrong
Most people avoid failure at all costs. They see it as a personal shortcoming that reflects negatively on them as an individual. However, failure can be a great motivation source if you know how to use it effectively.
The next step is to analyze what went wrong. Was it a lack of planning? Did you underestimate the difficulty of the task? Or did you simply make a mistake? Once you’ve identified the cause of the failure, you can take steps to prevent it from happening again.
For example, if you failed because you didn’t plan ahead, you can start making detailed plans for future endeavours. If you failed because you made a mistake, you can learn from your mistake and make sure not to repeat it in the future.
Create a plan to avoid future failures
No one likes to fail, but it is an inevitable part of life. The key is to learn from your failures and use them as motivation to succeed in the future. One way to do this is to create a plan to avoid future failures.
For example, make a study schedule for future trials if you failed a test because you did not study enough. Or, if you were unable to complete a project on time, create a timeline with specific deadlines. Taking these proactive steps can turn failure into a positive force that propels you towards success.
Set realistic goals
Set realistic goals to avoid disappointment and discouragement. When you place your sights too high, you are more likely to fail, and this failure can be debilitating.
By contrast, if you set realistic goals, you are more likely to achieve them, which will inspire you to continue developing and achieving new goals.
Once you get into the habit of achieving your goals, you will be motivated to push yourself even further. So, to use failure as motivation, start by setting realistic goals. With time and practice, you will learn how to push yourself closer and closer to your personal best.
Persevere through the hardships
It’s hard to keep going when you experience a setback, but you must persevere through the hardships. Remember, every failure is an opportunity to learn and grow. Use your failures as motivation to keep moving forward.
When you encounter difficulties, remind yourself of your past successes and use them as an encouragement to keep going. No one said this journey would be easy, but it’s worth seeing the victory on the other side.
Final thoughts
Failure can be difficult to deal with, but it doesn’t have to be a negative experience. If you use failure to stay motivated, you can turn it into something positive that will help you reach your goals. Do not be afraid to embrace failure and use it as a learning opportunity. With these tips, you can turn it into a powerful force that helps you succeed.
