With Failure Comes Opportunity

The current unemployment rate in the U.S. is over 9.8 percent. The media continues to report that the US economy has not recovered. New studies show that the divorce rate is idle at 50 percent and websites like 'Fail Blog' publicly chronicle mishaps of everyday people. With these dreary statistics flowing regularly from media outlet, it seems that our society’s psyche is being shaped by the idea of failure. It is possible that a person’s daily outlook is impaired by this news? I believe it’s important to remember that in times of crisis, failure creates opportunity.

Two months ago I moved across the country without a job. I left my family, friends and the coast where I was born and raised. I had spent the past five years building a professional foundation that I was now prepared to let go of. It was a personal decision, but one that potentially contained more risk than benefit. An encouraging reoccuring thought in my decision was that this was going to be a major personal challenge. I trusted in my abilities, remained patient, and stayed committed to my belief that I would find success in this job market.

Throughout the first eight weeks it was difficult to stay positive after experiencing rejection. Attempting to let go of momentary shame from small setbacks is easier in theory than in practice. But with time, I found a job I love and that challenges me. Although there are many people currently out of work I suggest they keep in mind that failure is not the worse thing in the world. The very worst is not to try.