Self-Care for Failure​

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1. Focus on the fact that failure isn’t bad, it is actually mighty instructive. It teaches us reliance and adaptability and research suggests it’s a precondition for success. 

 

2. Do something everyday that scares you. Failing often is a surefire way to dim the fear factor. Incrementally you will become braver. In the words of Anais Nin: ‘life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage’.

 

3. Learn to forgive yourself. One mistake does not define you. Be mindful of negative thought patters and make a conscious effort to silence them. There is nothing productive about obsessively cataloguing and dwelling on your perceived failings.

 

4. Celebrate your former success. Instead of creating a negative narrative about how likely you are to fail, remind yourself of how you have excelled in the past. Write your achievements down and re-read whenever you’re feeling anxious.

 

5. Relax your body – it will help calm your mind. Slow your breathing, unclench your jaw, drop your shoulders and unfurrow your brow. 

 

6. Ask for help. Expressing your fears and discussing them with others is invaluable. Failure is a universal experience, it's time to start talking about it. 

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