How to Reframe Failure
There's a difference between failing and BEING a failure. This is the difference between failing once and having failure be your identity.
When I was growing up, I really believed that I was a failure, especially when I went off to college and didn't immediately do everything I've ever wanted to do in my life. So I really brought this failure as identity with me through my early 20s. But luckily, I learned - it took a while - that failure is not an identity.
Just because you fail at something once doesn't mean you are a failure it just means that you had a temporary setback and you can actually use that setback as a way to push for more growth.
One of my favorite reframes around failure is when you discover that you can't do something or you do fail once, change that mindset from I failed, I’m a failure, to: I can’t do this YET.
So we can apply this to anything I can't do a pull-up - yet. I can't do a handstand - yet.
I can't get that job that I've always wanted my dream job that's what I want to do for the rest of my life - yet.
The coolest thing about this reframe is that it gives you room to grow and it helps you get rid of that feeling that challenge is impossible because the truth is is that if you can't do something yet, you probably just haven't put in the time and effort you need to get there yet.
This is true with fitness. This is true with anything in life. And sometimes you're going to need to pivot, to change course - and that's okay. That doesn't make you a failure.
Roadblocks and struggling doesn't mean you're a failure. It just means you're working hard towards your dreams. So if you're not there yet, just keep going.
If you've had a failure that’s helped you grow, I would love to know your story!