Fail Forward: How Losing Taught Me To Win Differently

I decided to write this article with the intention of inspiring others who are currently struggling with accepting that not everything goes according to plan.

If you had asked me a few years ago what failure meant to me, I would’ve painted a picture of heartbreak, frustration and self-doubt. Today my perspective has shifted entirely. Looking back, I know now with certainty that every failure, every setback and every “closed door” brought me exactly to where I am now. And where I am today in both my mindset and environment is something, I wouldn’t trade for anything.

My Journey Through Failure

My academic journey has been far from perfect! I have stumbled through most versions of failure. From not making university entrance, to failing a few undergrad modules, and more recently, facing the heavy blow of failing CTA, not once, but twice, after multiple deregistration’s.

Failing the first few times? To be honest I did not see myself coming back from that, however I quickly learned that no amount of self-pity changes the outcome. The only thing that moves you forward is action, no matter how small.

So, I changed my approach. Instead of allowing failure to define me, I started to use it as fuel for introspection and to take real accountability. I thus sat with myself, and I asked myself uncomfortable questions:

• What lesson was this setback trying to teach me?
• Was I aligned with my purpose, or just ticking boxes?
• How can I shift my mindset to turn this into an opportunity?

This self-reflection gave me the opportunity to take a step back, weigh my options and face the hard truth. In chasing the CA(SA) title, I had become so fixated on the destination that I lost connection with the journey. What should have been a stepping stone felt more like quicksand.

Growth is about adaptability, and I proudly live by that principle. After thorough research I have chosen to pursue the CA(SA) designation through the CIMA route. It may be a detour, but I believe that detours exist to redirect us toward something even better suited for us.

Wellness Tips for Navigating Failure

Failure will happen. It’s part of being human and is a fundamental contributor to our growth. However, how you manage it makes all the difference, not just professionally, but for your mental and emotional wellbeing as well.

Here are a few practices that helped me:

• Feel it, but don’t stay stuck there. It’s okay to cry and to be disappointed. Give yourself permission to feel but set a boundary for when you’ll shift into action.
• Reframe failure as feedback. Every “no” or setback contains insight. What is this teaching you about yourself, your approach, and your goals?
• Protect your self-worth. You are not your results. Failure speaks to a moment, not your value as a person. Separate the two.
• Stay adaptable. Sometimes, the path changes - that’s not quitting, that’s evolving. Adjust your sails, don’t abandon the ship.
• Celebrate progress, not perfection. Small wins count. Progress is often invisible until you look back. Honour your resilience along the way.

A Question for You

Where in your life have you let a failure define your worth, and how could you instead let it refine your growth

Remember, the greatest success stories are often built on the bricks of failure. Keep building, keep evolving, and most importantly, be kind to yourself along the way.