Celebrating Failure

One time I failed this semester was when I first got here. I transferred to the University of Florida this semester from a community college in Illinois. I assumed all of my previous credits would transfer over, since the university did not tell me otherwise. When I was told this may not be the case, I had to talk to countless people to get my answers. Since it was the beginning of the semester, the lines for all the offices were out the door. I had to bounce back between Heavener Hall and Criser Hall mainly, but I had to go to other schools as well even though I wasn’t in them. I failed to get anywhere with my problem again and again.

I learned that sometimes you have to work hard to get the information you want. Sometimes even something you think is obvious may not be. It is always best to get a solid confirmation before assuming anything, especially when there is a big decision on the line.

Overall, I and probably almost everyone, dislike failure. It is really a confidence destroyer when you are unable to do something. Emotionally, I feel like I take failure pretty well, unless it is a big failure. If I fail something important, I am usually very hard on myself and becoming angry at myself. I try to always do my best so it is very hard for me when it does not pay off. Behaviorally, when I fail, I am less likely to try the same activity again. I think I am unable to do it again since I was not able to the first time. This class did change my perspective on failure though. I learned that even when you fail, sometimes it is best to just keep trying. Often people gave me poor responses or did not fit the qualifications I was looking for. It is time consuming trying to find these people, but it pays off in the end. I believe I am more likely to take a risk now. Often risky activities are the ones with the best rewards.