Using 2002’s failures to make a successful 2003

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“Learn from the mistakes of others. You can’t live long enough to make them all yourself.”
--- Eleanor Roosevelt

One can argue that 2002 was a year filled with failure. Failure of man (snipers, terrorists, Trent Lott). Failure of institutions (stock market, WorldCom, Tyco). Failure of soul (church scandal, consenting parents of suicide bombers).

One could also argue that it was a year best be over with as there is nothing good that can come from those failures. But that would be that only if we learn nothing from them.

“Obstacles remain obstacles until you use them.”
--- Robert South

Just like a New Year’s resolution without a plan, failure with nothing learned only breeds more failure. It’s the lessons we learn and from that the modifications we make to our lives that bring meaningful change that we can grow from. Perseverance alone does not assure growth.

“If you don’t learn from your mistakes there’s no reason making them.”

--- Anonymous

Banging our heads against the wall over and over only teaches us that we can get a sore head. So unless we change our actions (i.e. start banging your head against a pillow, or better yet, stop banging altogether), we’ll continue to get a headache.

This works with world events as well as people. Not necessarily right away. Not necessarily in a year. Or ten years. Sometimes progress is being made and you don’t even notice it. Sometimes we have to change our perceptions; be open to look at and use our lives, differently.

“Just because something doesn’t do what you planned, it doesn’t mean that it’s useless.”
--- Thomas Edison

There are actual techniques to turn our mistakes into success, but first we have to be willing to take a what can we learn from this meeting after every failure or mistake, rejection or adversity.

And when you have that meeting, try these steps.

1. Admit the failure. In many cases we call that “getting caught.”

In actuality, just as most of 2002’s malfeasance, failures and evil were years in the making, so are ours. But it is the recognition that these problems exist that is the first step to turning it around. The scandals in the Church have festered for years, but with church acceptance these wrongs can no longer be ignored or covered up. And the Church will be better for it.

2. Examine, review and reassess.

What went wrong? What went right? What did I learn from either? Do I need to just try again (we call that practice). Does something have to be changed in my actions. Do I know yet if what I’m trying will ever work; have I exhausted every option? Do I need a new goal? If I keep the same goal, what do I have to do different?

3. If necessary, develop a new plan. Do the research, use expertise, yours and others. Make sure the time is right. You don’t want to be selling air conditioners in a snow storm. Then again, this could be time to offer a great deal.

4. Perhaps you need a new goal. Make sure it’s one you can be passionate about. Make it worthwhile. Make it fill a need...or a dream.

5. Take the action. Make the effort. Do the best you can do.

And when you hit a wall...and you will, go to number one and start again.

It’ll never be a perfect world. It’s not like snipers, terrorists or maniacal despots even care about changing, and therein lies their weakness and our opportunity. The more we work to change for the better, the more uncomfortable we make it for them And if we gain nothing more...that ain’t bad.

“Failure is mankind’s most neglected resource.”
--- S. Young

If we truly want to improve our lot, we cannot forget the past, but learn to use it. Why not use yours for a wonderful 2003.

JWR contributor Steve Young, Prism Award winner and Humanitas Prize nominee for his television writing, is contributing editor at the Writers Guild of America's "Written By" magazine. He is the author of "Great Failures of the Extremely Successful: Mistakes, Adversity, Failure and Other Stepping Stones to Success," . the director/writer of "My Dinner With Ovitz," and opens car doors for students at his very young kids' school. His website is www.greatfailure.com. Comment by clicking here.

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