As much as we want to avoid it, failure is part of the natural human experience. However, it is often accompanied by shame, guilt and regret. Educational philosopher, John Dewey, stated "a true thinker learns as much from failures as from successes." It is believed that if we start to look at our failure or mistakes as a valuable learning experiences, we can truly grow from them and have a more healthy relationship with these experiences. Check out the links below to help you to start embracing failure.  

5- Minute Film Festival: Freedom to Fail Forward

Healthy Ways to Manage Failure

• Accept emotions as valid experiences and responses to failure or mistakes. Allow space for them--even the difficult ones.

• Notice and acknowledge irrational beliefs you may have about making mistakes or failing. Where did they come from? How do you define success and failure? What or who are you working for? What does it mean to be responsible for, learn from, or just suffer from both failures and successes?

• Acknowledge that some of the most successful people have experienced failure along the way. 

• Practice self-compassion. Extend the same compassion you would to a friend, to yourself. 

• Adopt a growth mindset. Ask yourself: What can I learn from this experience? Experiencing failure doesn't mean that you are not good enough. It simply means that you have not figured it out yet. 

• Revisit your goals and values to determine how to move forward. 

• Face your fears of failure because they may cause you to avoid trying again. 

• If you find yourself stuck, reach out to others! Sometimes we get stuck in the same patterns and someone else can be helpful. Check in with a friend, a family member, friend or trusted staff or faculty member. Of course, outreach to the counseling center if you need more help.