Nobody FAILS... Our Mistakes

It's not a question of IF we'll make a mistake, misstep, tell a white lie (I can't help but think of Forest Gump saying, "mama said there's nothing wrong with a little white lie, they don't hurt nobody"), or make a split-second decision not to tell the truth when pressed for an answer or unsure, but WHEN. We may even do something on purpose that goes against our nature, values, ethics, or morals.

When that happens, someone usually notices our failure and calls us out on it before we can call ourselves on it. Before we accept that we have failed at anything, we must first define what failure is and is not, so that we can recover.

When we take efforts to recover from what seems to be a failure, our values, morals, and ethics are naturally realigned.

Are you ready to learn how to deal with errors, blunders, and messes?

What Exactly Is Failure?

First and foremost, let's define failure and what it isn't. Failing at anything is often equated with giving up, which is true in some instances but not always (just ask anyone who has gotten out of an abusive relationship). Failure is just a refusal to give up.

When we give up or leave anything without recognizing seven essential components, we call it failure.

Forgiveness – Authenticity – Integrity – Longevity – Forgiveness – Understanding – Recognition – Ending

I propose to you that we have failed if any of the following seven components have not been flushed out or handled.

What Exactly Isn't Failure?

Even better, overcoming apparent failure or going through these seven components will ensure that you have not failed. These seven characteristics also indicate that we are walking in our integrity and authenticity, making us agents of development and change rather than failures.

These seven factors help us avoid failure in our life. When we combine all of these components in any scenario or situation, we can be certain that we have done all possible to guarantee our success and stay true to our values.

We have not failed if forgiveness can be sought, whether asked for or granted. When someone asks for forgiveness, it implies that they are aware of the situation.

Making the best decisions requires awareness.

When we are being really honest with ourselves or others, we can tell. Authenticity is exactly what it sounds like. It's about recognizing a problem and acting on it.

It entails accepting responsibility or accountability for what occurs within our area of influence and control (which is typically ourselves).

Integrity may be summarized as doing what we say we'll do. Are we dependable, considerate, polite, helpful, or friendly? Living a life of integrity is simple for some and difficult for others.

Integrity is built from the ground up, starting when we are youngsters at home. The values and principles we learn at home shape who we are and will continue to challenge us throughout our lives.

Next, we must consider our present position in the context of long-term viability. We must determine if this is a temporary or possibly permanent issue.

This viewpoint, whether good or negative, empowers us to control what we can and let go of what we can't.

It is critical to comprehend the scenario. Are you struggling in business because you lack resources, but those resources will be available in a few weeks or months?

Understanding the present aids our understanding of the future.

Now follows the acknowledgment of the situation. Perhaps the present circumstance is beyond our control, or perhaps we rushed headlong into something and are now stranded.

Recognizing is just being aware of the present situation, which allows us to take action.

Is there, at long last, a conclusion? Giving up sophomore year of high school when you know it will finish in two years is not the same as quitting a two-year relationship or business because you are experiencing a 'poor month.'

When we take the time to sift our current circumstances or scenario via the seven components of FAILURE, we may identify what is and isn't failure.

Walking through these components prepares us to respond (to ourselves or to someone else) when the time comes. We can be certain of our reality if we have successfully navigated them, regardless of the result.

I've written previously on how knowledge leads to accountability, which leads to action.

When we don't take action, we call it failure.

Thanks to Lori McNeil at Business 2 Community whose reporting provided the original basis for this story.