Wait. Do you know what "fail" means?
- First - The verb "fail" traces its roots back to the Old French word "faillir," meaning "to be lacking" or "to fall short of expectations." Good News! You, individually, are not a failure. You will experience set backs, but YOU are not a "failure". You are made in God's image - so it's impossible to be a failure since you are invaluable to Him. Let's get that straight.
- Second - Failure is a social construct designed to put a mental limit what you can or cannot do. It's a term that should be used situationally (like in coding, running a program, etc.) where scenarios only require success to run/function. Humans. People. We have an amazing ability to move forward. It's a lot less lethal sounding, right? That's because it is.
- Third - You can only be a failure when you give up. This does not include pivoting or re-adjusting - this is a form of improvement, not failure.
Most of the time, you're not "failing" because of your apparent OUTPUT (result), you're "failing" because of your lack of INPUT (effort). Your effort, if not anything else, will determine your mindset. If you put quality into your existence and in everything you do, your results will more likely be positive. Now, I will NOT say that every time you do something great, something great will come back to you instantly - that's not how the world works. It's simple, but let me explain…
Your input is determined by your perspective. Your perspective is how you view the world (your worldview).
Remember…
There are 2 things that are true in this life. Reality and the perception.
Ask yourself…
- Why is my world view the way that it is? How did it get this way?
- What are my God-given talents that I continue to ignore? Do I believe I have any?
- Do I hold any biases that prevent me from achieving my goals?
- Who am I becoming through my interactions with the world?
- Is my definition of success aligned with my values, or am I chasing someone else's dream?
- Am I doing the best I can every day?
- What personal roadblocks are preventing me from reaching my full potential?
- What small, consistent actions can I take each day to move closer to becoming the highest version of myself?
- What scares me the most right now?
- Am I running from God? Why am I running so much? What is my faith based on? Am I afraid of what I'll find?
These questions stem from love and kindness. They aren't criticisms, they are honest questions that require your attention if you are going to improve. We should work to be kind, not nice. There is a difference.
NOTE: Someone who is kind can simultaneously be nice. Someone who is nice, isn't always kind. There is a difference. Find a community that sticks with you through the mud and tells you how it is. Let that sink in.
Honesty = Kindness
Once you understand RCA and the following ven-diagram shows that personal success isn't just about putting in effort, nor is it solely about the outcome. It's the synergy between the two that leads to a fulfilling sense of accomplishment and growth.
Effort Is The Crucible In Which Potential Is Forged…
This Venn diagram illustrates the interconnectedness of effort and results. At the heart of personal success lies a fruitful blend of hard work, dedication, persistence, strategy, and time. These elements, when combined with knowledge, growth, satisfaction, and fulfillment, yield tangible results: achievements, recognition, and skill development.
The diagram underscores the fundamental truth that while knowledge and potential are important, they must be cultivated through consistent effort to bear fruit. It serves as a visual reminder that success is not merely a matter of luck or talent, but a product of deliberate action and perseverance.
The key takeaway is that real progress and accomplishment require a balance of mental preparation and physical effort. By embracing this dual-pronged approach, you can unlock your full potential and achieve the success and fulfillment you desire.
THIS IS WHY YOU BELIEVE YOU ARE FAILING…