26A – Celebrating Failure

1) Tell us about a time this past semester that you failed -- whether in this class, or outside of this class. Don't spare any details! It'd be even better if there was something you tried several times this semester, and failed each time. 

A time I failed this semester was when I missed a deadline to apply for an important opportunity. I had completely forgotten about it, and by the time I remembered it was about a week past the deadline. I felt so stupid, and my parents were upset with me. I tried emailing the person in charge of it, but they refused to allow me to apply. I missed out on a good opportunity and there was nothing I could do about it. 

2) Tell us what you learned from it.  

I learned a lot from this mistake. It strengthened my determination for future opportunities and kind of forced me to establish some more direction in my life. I decided that since I missed this opportunity, I would do everything I could to pursue the myriad of other great opportunities here at UF. I also have been much better at managing approaching deadlines for schoolwork, and I think I have been more diligent as well.

3) Reflect, in general, on what you think about failure. Failure is hard, isn't it? It's embarrassing, sure, but it also means that we have to change something about ourselves. Talk about how you handle failure (emotionally, behaviorally). Finally, talk about how this class has changed your perspective on failure -- are you more likely to take a risk now than you were just a few months ago?

Failure is really hard and embarrassing, especially when its completely unjustified. I had weeks to complete that application, and I was not too busy because of covid-19. I agree that it does mean we have to change something about ourselves. I have changed a lot since then, and I am really happy with my new attitude towards school. I handle minor failures very lightheartedly emotionally and behaviorally. I don't see the point in getting a bad attitude about things that have already happened. For example, I forgot to check the bag at a fast food restaurant, and they forgot one of my items. I had to drive all the way back from my house to go get it, but instead of getting in a bad mood, I figured it was more worth my time to just learn from it, brush off the frustration, and do what I need to do. More important failures, like the one I talked about before, really take a toll on me emotionally. I feel awful and anxious and just disappointed in myself. I think my behaviors reflect these feelings unless I am doing something specific to try to hide them. I think I am more likely to take risks now because I have learned that we can recover and grow from even the worst failures. Of course, this doesn't mean we should just ignore everything important in life, but that when there's an opportunity for a risk, and you know you can handle whatever happens if it doesn't work out, then try it. The worst you can do is fail and move on.