“Being defeated is often a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent.” (Marlene Savant)

“Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterwards.” (Chinese Proverb)

“Failure is a prerequisite for great success. If you want to succeed faster, double your rate of failure.” (Brian Tracy)

“Fall seven times, stand up eight.” (Japanese Proverb)

When high expectations are not fulfilled we so easily go down the path of disappointment. Sometimes it’s enough to stop us dead in our tracks - for a while.

I say ‘for a while’ because if we have a clear vision of the future we are wanting to create and it carries enough leverage to pull us forward, these disappointments will not keep us pinned for long.

That is the key.

When something does not go the way we intended or hoped then one place to go, is creating a bigger and more inspiring vision.

Do you clearly see your ‘Why?’

Is it strong enough and carry enough charge to keep you playing for your ultimate end result?

Do you have a clear vision of what your intended end result looks like?

Is it measurable? How will you feel when that is accomplished?

Imagine being at ‘the end’ of what you are trying to accomplish. What does the celebration look like?

Is this a crystal, clear picture you carry with you each day that you are in action on fulfilling this goal?

If your dream is big enough and is clear in your mind then you will not easily be stopped by minor setbacks.

With regard to actions that you have recently taken, are you clear about what worked/didn’t work about each of these?

Have you sought advice from somebody already hugely successful in the area of your goal?

Go back to the drawing board. Recreate the original goal.

Get it pictured clearly in your mind such that you cannot mistake what is on the right track toward fulfilling it.

Is your goal something about which you are passionate? What is it about this goal that truly lights you up? Is this something you “should” do rather than something you MUST accomplish in order to be satisfied?

What challenges are you likely to meet and what strategies do you have in place for overcoming possible setbacks?

Can you still move toward your end goal and yet take out elements you do not love and include some new ones that you do?

A couple of great web sites to visit are http://www.successmethods.org/ and http://www.despair.com/ The second website has a collection that you can browse, it's a fun one and will take the seriousness out of your views on failure and disappointment. You are not alone!

Feelings come and go – many times during the day – have you noticed? Consistent action, beyond those feelings, WILL get you there in the end.

2005 © Thea Westra is an international life coach who resides in Perth, Australia. She is editor and publisher of a free, monthly newsletter which you can receive by going to her website http://www.forwardsteps.com.au She also publishes a blog called Triggers http://forwardsteps.blogspot.com

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