How Failure Turned Into Success

"In whatever way we have failed from the past or the present time, we need to redefine our past failures and realize what we did right and disregard what we did wrong and then turn that into wisdom for a winning future."

There are times when I felt like a failure when things turned out as opposed to my expectations. I have set a goal and planned about it, but in the end, it failed. It makes me feel bad and it is just a natural feeling. Nevertheless, prolonged sadness is not that good as it may invite negative and harmful thoughts.

In our lives, we have been experiencing almost everything that it may bring—good or bad. Sometimes we end up feeling lost resulting from the failure. We fail to achieve... we fail to succeed.

I heard stories from people that they failed; failed in major exams, failed in their career, failed in reaching their goals and dreams, etc. Then I realized that failure is not that bad for the reason that we can learn from these failures and use them as experience for our next success. Hence, I call 'failure'  'success in disguise'.

FAILURE IS A GREAT WAY TO LEARN

We can learn from our failure and able to recall what have we missed or what went wrong. It is an opportunity to reflect on our actions that led to failure. Likewise, we need to fail to realize that there is a mistake in the process of what we are aiming for. Thus, there is a need to correct it and be as successful as we can in our next try.

I remember way back in college that our teacher would return our essays if she can spot grammatical errors or even wrong spelling. I tried to correct it as much as possible but I had to edit my work again and again as advised. Somehow, with that experience, I have learned something useful to my way of writing, although there are times when someone has to send me a message to correct some mistakes. I am still thankful for the enthusiasm to learn from mistakes—can be considered a failure.

TRYING TO FAIL

I have tried this approach and indeed it works. It teaches me a lesson that I should never fear of failure and never chase for perfection but rather excellence.

What is good about trying to fail is that we do not have to worry about being perfect. The good thing is we just might succeed by accident. Think of great inventions by accident, they may have thought of failure, but it turned out to be another great invention.

There are times I fail, but now I do not worry about it, I just divert my attention towards more optimistic thoughts and thinking that today I fail, but next time I will have it!—gives me more courage to pursue my goals despite the odds.

TRYING AGAIN

There is no reason for us to give up, but to keep on trying. If we failed once, twice, or thrice... it is all right. It only means we are persistent with our goal to achieve. The next time we try, we succeed! We did it! Moreover, we are grateful for it.

REDEFINING THE CONCEPT OF FAILURE AND SUCCESS

We have our own definition of success and failure based on our personal experiences. For me, instead of saying 'I tried, but it failed' better to say, 'I tried and I failed, but I have learned and tried again and I succeed!'

We can be negative at times, but we need to be more balanced and weigh in the circumstances. Some of the good things in life can be attained through re-framing our state of mind.

FROM FAILURE TO SUCCESS

Persistence can have a great impact to achieve tremendous success. Just like some famous people who have persevered so many times until they achieved the status of greatness and success.

Take the case of Steve Jobs, the late CEO of Apple company. He was fired from the company he co-founded and then failed from another company he founded. However, in the end, he succeeded and gained the admiration of many people.

We may fail so many times, but if we have the persistence and the courage to face our failure, then surely we will attain success.

In whatever way, we have failed from the past or the present time, we need to redefine our past failures and realize what we did right and disregard what we did wrong and then turn that into wisdom for a winning future.

© 2012 Del Cusay

New Year 2012: Faraway Journey, Greater Service and Breakthrough to Success

"In a material world that we live in, where the outer symbol of success fades and eventually will be gone, it would be good to ponder on the realization of our highest service to give to God..our self...our family.. our country and the world at large."


The start of the year has been full of positive hope, optimism, and enthusiasm as I have celebrated it with joy and gratitude. This is the best time of the year to set goals and wishes for the entire year.

As I celebrate the new year, questions would have tended to pop up my mind such as how to keep up with the momentum through the year and how can I make these things possible and achievable.

This time, I have learned to be clear on what I want and not to focus on what I don't want. What do I want to acquire? What are my desires and hopes? What do I want to experience and learn? and what do I want to become?

Some of my goals were not attained because I was not clear of what I want, so I end up losing the inspiration and hope and have it replaced with doubts when I see it is not possible—then comes the list of unaccomplished and unattainable goals.

This day marks the first week of 2012 and it was a good week to start the year. It was fun to do some physical activities like walking, jogging, and some exercises at the park. I enjoy the revitalizing and invigorating effects.

I have done a 20-minute meditation daily for this first week of the year. It was a good opportunity to reflect on my wishes and goals for this year and enjoying the serenity and peaceful ambiance of the place. It was a perfect place to meditate as I bear the tolerable coldness of the weather.

As I meditate, I closed my eyes and could hear nothing but the chirping of the birds, the cold breeze of the wind, the people passing quietly along with my meditation space, and the shouts of the teens playing cricket at a far distance.

Those external sounds do not bother me anymore. At least, it did not make me more space out. The internal voice from within dominates the most. This sound is more precious and it gives more time to reflect deeply while whispering sacred chants silently.

MY GOALS AND WISHES FOR THIS YEAR...

TO THE PHILIPPINES...

My beloved country of birth, I pray will be spared by major destruction such as calamities that cause loss of lives and properties and worst is living a life of post-traumatic depression and loss of self-worth.

Being a "Pacific-Islander" would expect to have been visited by typhoons and a country in a "Pacific Ring of Fire" would have numerous earthquakes. We have our share of devastating calamity that the world experiences. The reality is that we can not escape but we can ease the effect of these tragedies.

One of the good traits of being a Filipino is the "Bayanihan Spirit" a Filipino term that denotes a helping hand. Hoping that we will continue to be inspired to help people in any way possible.

TO THE PHILIPPINE ECONOMY

Hoping that the country will be able to survive any recession or financial crisis that may hit the region or the world. Although, the past administration has done it well, hoping that the present administration will be able to do their part for the betterment of the country and its people.

Hoping that more local and foreign investors will come to establish a business to generate more jobs for the Filipinos. Jobs for every Filipino means, food to feed their families and to alleviate hunger and poverty.

TO THE WORLD...

Hoping that peace will be attained. No conflicts... no terrorism... no wars. The past year seems to be full of outrage and war against their government that created global concern. It brought massive destruction to the lives of innocent civilians; loss of homes, properties, and lives.

Hoping that this world will be a safer place for the people to live—to be able to walk on the streets safely by day and night; to be able to commute on bus and train without the thoughts of the presence of any explosive substances inside; to be able to enjoy shopping at the mall without the thought of bombing (as the case in the Philippines) and so on...

May poverty alleviation be strengthened by those in political power so as to end the world of hunger, famine, and suffering.

We live in a chaotic world of uncertainties and suffering and so we need more incarnation of Anna Hazare, Mother Teresa, and Mahatma Gandhi. The selfless acts that they have sacrificed for the welfare of humanity will be remembered and remain in our hearts eternally.

ON MYSELF...

My personal goal for this year would not matter if it is a short-term or long-term goal. What matters is clarity and attainability. I just wish for a balanced and successful life with a focus on my...

Health - to become more balanced in all levels of health—physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health.

Family - to become stronger despite the problems; better health and attain more prosperity.

Career - to continue to be a representation of the "BE Life" slogan - "Live Your Greatest Life" and to be able to touch as many lives as possible along with the foundations' commitment of "Serving Humanity and the World".

Personal relationship - be in harmony with my family, colleagues, and friends.

Personal growth - to be able to learn something new and valuable; gain new insights from seminars/workshops, training, and inspiring books.

Making a difference - to be able to continue doing something good and inspiring others to do the same. I will participate actively in various activities that are intended for the benefit of a particular person or group.

STRETCHING BEYOND THE LIMITS

I would challenge myself to push on its limit. Sometimes, it feels good to do extraordinary things like public speaking or to conduct and speak for a seminar/workshop. It might be a little frightening but the end result is more rewarding.

It is nice to achieve something impossible, but things become possible only until it is done. There are things to achieve for this year if I put my focus on it and with the support of the people who believe in me.

In the long run, what is important is not the outcome of the fulfillment of my goals and dreams but who I become in the process in the ultimate goal of living a better life.

FOR OTHERS...

My goal for this year may have an impact on other people who share the same desires and idealism. As I write this goal list and have a commitment to a bigger dream, I may soon start to come up with big ideas to make these things happen. Hoping that I will attract the right people and opportunities to make my dream come true.

ONE STEP AT A TIME

I believe that ultimate success does not come overnight but it involves daily small actions that accumulate in time towards the realization and achievement of the most cherished dreams. I have to ask myself "What should I do today that will help me towards the aspiration and achievement of my dreams?"—a question that needs daily answer and action.

LIVING WITH A PURPOSE

In life, it is important that we are living with a purpose and continue to discover and understand it. You have a purpose and I have mine too... so in a material world that we live in, where the outer symbol of success fades and eventually will be gone, it would be good to ponder on the realization of our highest service to give to God..our self...our family.. our country and the world at large.

A prosperous year ahead!

© 2012 Del Cusay