The F-Word

“One who fears failure limits his activities. Failure is only the opportunity to more intelligently begin again.” Henry Ford.

No no, not the profane one. F for failure, probably the word most feared next to death and finals. With the end of the withdrawal period approaching ever so swiftly, we can’t but be aware of grades, midterms and our ever fluctuating GPA. 

   Failure though, is sometimes a good thing. It often results in the realization of our “true” calling, or the sudden burst of patience you never knew existed. It gives us a chance to step back and look at the bigger picture: future plans, immediate goals, and lists upon lists of priorities.

   To fail is never the end of the world. Indeed, the mere thought of it as such is to succumb to failure entirely. There are always plan B’s and C’s and Z’s and the round-about, albeit time-consuming, route to plan A.

   The way one deals with disappointment is a measure of one’s character. We can either wallow in self pity or move on to other options. We can come to terms with our capabilities and aim for our strengths. We can become who we wish to become or spend our whole lives regretting.

   Celebrate your successes but never forget what it feels like to fail. Clicking the “Drop” button does not make you less intelligent, a fact that I am just beginning to come to terms with. Prize your strengths and work on your weaknesses, and above all, never give up. The way I see it, failing is just another word for falling. And scars make us more unique.