8 Failures That Actually Propel You Forward in Life

Failures have a profound psychological impact on us. They can either inspire us to take on challenges and put in more effort, or they can shatter our dreams, bringing despair and new obstacles. We’ve already discussed how to perceive your mistakes correctly. This time, we’re focusing on how certain failures are not really failures at all, but signs that you’re moving forward.

1. Lack of Courage

Starting something new or stepping out of your comfort zone can evoke a range of emotions, from trembling hands to a churning stomach, but rarely do you feel self-assured and brave. Psychologists say that only mentally unhealthy individuals, who can’t physically assess the situation, don’t feel anxious before a significant event. Once the event is over, you start to feel relief, followed by self-confidence, inspiration, and motivation to keep going. Remember, lacking courage before important events doesn’t mean you’re weak overall. The fact that you’re doing something that makes you nervous proves that you’re human, prone to fear, but unwilling to give up in the face of difficulties.

2. Criticism from Superiors

Everyone perceives criticism differently, but most people tend to get upset or even depressed, thinking that criticism highlights their flaws. However, criticism from someone more successful or skilled than you, especially at work, means that the critic cares about whether you continue to work and be who you are. They’re spending their time to teach you a lesson, and beneath the constructive criticism of your shortcomings lies advice on how to improve. Use this opportunity, don’t take your superiors’ remarks to heart, and be more rational.

3. Depression and Anxiety

Realizing that you need psychological help automatically makes you stronger, as admitting to yourself and others that you need help takes courage. Don’t perceive your problem as a curse; use your awareness as an opportunity to heal, become better, move forward, and prevent its return in the future. At the end of the day, we’re all humans who need support and struggle with our thoughts and doubts. Allow yourself to be and don’t ignore the signals your body and mind give you.

4. Losing Friends

Losing old friends isn’t always a negative experience. As you grow older, you develop new interests, and life constantly changes. It’s natural for people to come and go in your life. Don’t think that a friendship was a failure or not worth your time just because a new friend has replaced an old one. Also, don’t think that you’ve lost friends because you’re a bad person (unless you’ve done something to make your friends turn away from you). If the need for old relationships has faded, move on to new ones without regrets or feelings of failure.

5. Making Mistakes

Making mistakes and, most importantly, realizing your wrongdoing can make you feel sad, angry, disappointed, and self-reproachful. However, by apologizing for your actions, you initiate the healing process. This process may not save your relationships or return your life to its previous course, but it will prove that you’re ready to change and that you have enough self-awareness to make the right decisions in your life.

6. Insecurity at Work

Insecurity about your success at work doesn’t always mean failure. Often, it’s a sign that you’re at an intermediate level, where you’re no longer a beginner, meaning more responsibility, but you haven’t fully proven your professionalism yet. Either way, this situation shows that you’re fighting your comfort zone and are ready to rise above the average level where most workers stagnate. The feeling that your work has become more challenging means it’s time to grow. It’s up to you to accept the challenge and overcome the difficulties or stay where you are.

7. Loneliness in a New Place

Almost everyone loves to travel, but not many would dare to move to a new city or even country to start a new life. Such bravery always has a flip side—loneliness. You’re far from home, uprooted from your familiar context, and while life goes on without you, you haven’t yet settled in enough to truly start living. Don’t worry; over time, everything that seems foreign will become familiar, as people adapt quickly. Don’t perceive loneliness as a weakness or failure in your plan to leave home. Stay in touch with friends and family, and better yet, start making new acquaintances.

8. Lack of Skills

Starting something new is much better than consistently doing nothing. With new emotions come new knowledge and skills, though not immediately. When you start doing something, you might find that you’re not good at it or not as good as you hoped. Don’t perceive this as a direct failure to master something or a sign that you should return to your boring job. Keep trying and don’t give up, as even talent requires honing in most cases. Improve every day and don’t quit halfway—what you don’t yet know where to apply might help you find the job of your dreams.