We are taught that failure should always be avoided. It casts a dark shadow that can suffocate our spirit. After all, winning is better than losing right?

When we experience failure, our sense of self-worth is damaged and our confidence takes a debilitating hit. Whether failure occurs in a marriage, in your career, or perhaps with your finances, it is discouraging and can keep us from taking advantage of the next opportunity when it occurs.

However, there is a brighter side of failure - a side that can be nurturing and inspirational. Failure can be a catalyst for personal growth and can lead us to achievement when we pause long enough to hear its message.

To begin the process of embracing the brighter side of failure and allowing its sometimes harsh, but important life lessons to be revealed, consider these strategies:

    * Be okay with not being perfect
      Accepting failure can be difficult because it goes against what we think to be true. We believe we have to be perfect in everything we do. But there is value in accepting our imperfection because by doing so, we are allowing our humanness to exist, and perhaps thrive.

      I became less anxious and happier when I realized it was impossible to be perfect all of the time. This revelation has been freeing and it has lead to new ways of thinking and seeing the world. I’m more comfortable in my own skin now that the pressure of being perfect has been lifted.

      No longer do I dread failure. I welcome it because it’s a sign my heart is still alive and eager to try new things.

      If you are hesitant to acknowledge your imperfection then do something you have been reluctant to try, but do it anyway. If you fail, take a step back and consider what you have learned from the experience and then realize being imperfect has not killed you. You are really okay after all.

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