Coping with failure
The Hindu
Why is it that we are not taught how to fall with grace and then return stronger?
It is painful to fail. What is even more painful is when one is left alone to fail. Then solitude and the pain begin to takes a toll. Things seem to lose colour and what awaits one is a roller coaster of dejection and low self esteem. There are moments when one wonders, "Is it my fault that I failed?" The mind is clouded and clarity is scarce. How to move on is the question.
These difficulties one face post a failure is closely connected to how the world perceives failures. Our world has an unending obsession with success. Limelight is always on what success brings — money, fame, happiness. The other end of the spectrum is mostly ignored. Be it in relationships, academics or at work, one enjoys company and attention in success. Failures are left to be borne alone, sans the fanfare.
In schools we are taught about Lincoln and Edison who succeeded despite failures. But, on the practical side, are people really encouraged to take risks, fail and risk again? Is it not that the world encourages winning fast, and settling down even faster.