What is failure? First of all, it is a human invention; it does not occupy space, distance and cannot be measured.
Failure is a purely linguistic phenomenon. There is only having the “experience of failure” as a product of a conversation we have with ourselves. It is an assessment that what we wanted to achieve was not achieved. A breakdown, on the other hand, is an interruption to an intended process, resulting in a temporary or definitive incompletion. When experiencing feelings of ‘failure,’ we sometimes engage in disappointment and negativity toward ourselves, others, and life circumstances.
Failure as a Human Invention
Consider that the experience of failure is only created in language related to the outcome of an event or events at a particular time, within a specific context, and influenced by an emotional disposition. The occurrence of an unfulfilled expected outcome does not inherently cause the experience of failure. The experience of failure results from attachment to expected outcomes, accompanied by self-referential acts of disillusionment and disappointment. This experience of failure exists as an interpretation within the domain of language and is not dictated by factual events or outcomes. People may respond differently to the same circumstances. Events and outcomes do not cause feelings; rather, it is our view of ourselves and the interpretations we make of the events as they unfold that shape our emotional responses.
Breakdowns as Temporary Interruptions
Coping effectively with the experience of failure requires first making a rigorous assessment and distinguishing that it is created in the domain of language, resulting from interpretations of a past event. Secondly, to come to terms with the experience of failure, it is necessary to declare it as a breakdown—an interruption to a desired and expected outcome. Thirdly, since the occurrence of the event belongs to the past, all that is left to do is to accept how it happened and how it was intended to happen but did not. Lastly, after examining these undesirable ‘failures,’ we can start with a clean slate and redesign a new, inspired future with renewed energy and creativity.
A Path to Renewal
This approach encourages us to detach from negative self-judgment and instead view setbacks as temporary interruptions that can lead to new and inspired beginnings. It is a powerful reminder that our mindset and language play crucial roles in shaping our experiences and responses to life’s challenges.
