Why Failure Can Be Seen As a Success

I am faced today with a failure.  Yes, I failed to put together my video for the day.  Am I seeing it as a problem and a true “failure?” Not really.  As explained in the video I initially shared on FaceBook, one of my intentions for this 40 Days to Fit is a way for me to connect with others who struggle with consistency and commitment.  I am eager to help other moms or mothers-to-be find ways to make health and fitness a natural part of their lifestyle.  Today’s failure has given me a way to help clients realize why failure can be seen as a success.

Maybe that is a little confusing.  Let me explain in terms of fitness goals.  Say I have a client who is eager to lose 10 pounds by her late Spring class reunion.  We begin, naturally, with a commitment form that states her main goal and the smaller ones that will get her to there.  Within those first few days she is faced with an unexpected deadline at work, causing her to be at the office much later than originally planned.  She is not able to eat at home for dinner for a few consecutive days as well as not able to get to the market for a back-up healthy dinner to-go for those unexpected late nights since she is due at the ball field for her sons practice.  Clearly, we need to have a back-up plan so that we are set up for success, even on our worst days.  How do we plan for failure?

I wouldn’t go so far as to put it in those terms, no one wants to think this way.  Rather, we should do a few other things so that any failure can be seen as a success:

1. Learn from our mishaps.

When we are faced with a challenge we should make the adjustments so as to not get caught in a similar bind next time.  In the example above, simply over-cook a few meals and freeze them for use when in a pinch next time.  For myself, regarding my video scenario; I am going to get a few videos completed at a time instead.  

2. Fix it and forget it.  

Well, maybe not just shrug it off and say “whatever!” Rather, recognize it, see it as a minor goof-up and know that tomorrow is a new day.  Forgive yourself because you are just as amazing as ever and you are going to reach those goals.  For myself, yes, I recognized it.  I was faced with a blunder yesterday since I was nursing a little sick boy.  I am a mother first, right?  I could have easily said, “hey, I accidentally deleted my video!” But my gosh, who am I kidding! I would have only been hurting myself.   

3. Continue to move forward with confidence. 

Yes! Keep moving forward because you are not alone.  That next workout and healthy meal (or video!) is only a few hours away.  Being consistent is key, even if there are a few hiccups along the way.  I may have failed getting a new video up today but I am now able to plan better for the days ahead.