Hindustan Times (Jalandhar)

How to overcome failures in life

- The author is directorde­partment of mental health and behavorial sciences, Fortis Healthcare

your pAsT experienCe CAn heLp you ensure ThAT you Do noT repeAT The MisTAKes AnD reDuCe The ChAnCes oF A siMiLAr FAiLure To reCur

It is not uncommon for us to find events which have occurred in the past to continue not just to haunt us in the present moment, but also to have an impact the coming future.

While this is most apparent with negative instances, it is inevitable as every individual’s experience­s undoubtedl­y shape the person’s perception­s and behaviour in the present as well.

However, it is important not to let the failures of our past cast their shadow over our present.

The following points could be kept in mind in attempts to overcome and move on from failures of the past.

LEARN FROM YOUR EXPERIENCE

Your past experience­s can serve as a learning for you, rather than becoming a repetition.

In fact, your past experience can help you ensure that you do not repeat the mistakes you have made previously, and therefore reduce the chances of a similar failure to recur.

AVOID DRAWING COMPARISON­S

We often tend to compare the present situation with our own experience­s in the past, and this is being unfair to the present.

Instead, we should look upon each day its own light, as it brings with it a new set of opportunit­ies and avenues.

BE REALISTIC IN YOUR APPROACH

Remember, it is human to make mistakes.

There are bound to be numerous factors that could contribute towards a failure, and it is not solely ourselves to be blamed. In fact, it is very unrealisti­c to expect yourself to always succeed.

AVOID DWELLING ON THE PAST

Often, a failure seems so big that it tends to preoccupy our mind.

But it is important to realise that simply dwelling on your past failures will not change them.

Instead, we should try to evaluate what went wrong, and what can be done in the present time to make a difference in the future.

LEARN TO LET GO!

At the same time, it is also important to accept our own shortcomin­gs and weaknesses.

An objective evaluation of our own abilities can help us let go of the past failures that are daunting us, and can help us set more achievable goals in line with our potential skills and capabiliti­es.

BE WILLING TO TALK ABOUT IT

Finally, there are many times when we feel incapable of handling the pressures of our own past failures.

It is important not to hesitate to talk about it, as we need to seek support.

The profession­al help of a mental health expert is available, and can help the person develop better coping mechanisms to overcome the challenge of their past experience­s more adaptively.

 ??  ?? SAMEER PARIKH surViVAL guiDe
SAMEER PARIKH surViVAL guiDe
 ??  ??

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from India