How To Fail Gracefully
A sports psychologist once told me to plan something fun to do after a race so that no matter the outcome of the race, I have something to get my mind off things. My old coach, Hobie, told me to wear my Wonder Woman costume and cheer on the kids at the kids race, which he knew would be meaningful to me and make me smile.
This got me thinking of a list I’ve never seen but that could be valuable…
How to Fail Gracefully
1) Despite failing (real or perceived), finish the race/project/speech, etc. as well as possible. In other words, don’t quit just because you’re falling short of your goal. Shift your mindset, pivot, and finish with your best.
2) Congratulate the winner (if it is a competition), and be genuine – they worked hard, too.
3) Allow yourself to grieve the loss of achieving the goal. If you truly went for it, you’re going to feel disappointed. Let the sadness hit ya, cry it out, etc. Talk with a partner or friend. Express frustration. It’s all normal and healthy.
4) Take care of yourself – eat, drink, shower – even if it takes effort to get off the pout couch.
5) Sleep, and if you can – don’t set an alarm. It may take awhile to fall asleep, as thoughts and analyzations race through your head (a meditation app can help) and getting a full night’s sleep recharges emotional batteries.
6) Wake up with a mantra that challenges you to have the best day possible. Let go of the idea that you disappointed people. People just want to see you happy, and there was never assurance that hitting the goal was going to make you happy anyway. Remember, “happiness is an inside job.”
7) Pick a new goal you’re excited about and get after it. If it’s the same goal as before, analyze how you can go for it better and take action toward that new plan right away. (Need to work on grip strength? Join that climbing gym! Need to work on presentation skills? Hire that speech coach!)
I thought I had to win a world championship to write my own book/make a course/catapult my public speaking career on how to have a Winner’s Mindset, but perhaps what the world could use is a book called “Loser’s Mindset: How to stay energized and focused after falling short of a goal.”
How’s that for a pivot? J I’m proud of myself. Today is turning out to be a wonderful day already! Thanks again for all the unconditional love and support, everyone!