Andrew Morrison

I gave a keynote speech last night. It was awful. I was sweating, nervous and light-headed. I didn’t connect with the audience and several of my jokes fell flat.

I could begin to give you 101 excuses. Here they go ….. I could not work the powerpoint projector. My mind was frazzled from two root canals and pain killer medication. I neglected to eat.

But despite the horrible outcome, I feel okay!

Why?

Because I am telling myself a new story.

A few people did come up to me afterward and say that they took over 5 pages of notes. Another person mentioned that my speech motivated them to pursue a new goal.

I feel okay because the positive comments I did receive represent the new movie that I am playing in my mind. You always have the power to look at a past situation differently.

Change your inner movie and you will change your life.

Things only have as much meaning as you give them.

Here are a few steps you can take to recover quickly from your next failure:

1. Find the good. No matter how great the loss there is always something you can learn from any situation.

2. Change the question. Move away from “How Could I Be So Stupid?” to “What Can I Learn from This Situation?”

3. Focus on a past win. Remember your past success. It will help you to realize that this experience does not define you.

4. Focus on a future win. What’s next for you? How will your recent stumble ensure a future victory?

5. Cultivate the attitude of gratitude. Your worst day is another person’s best day. Be grateful and realize that you can only do better.

6. Share your story. My mistakes have only made me a better business coach.

7. Swing Again. Get back up there and do it again!

I have another speech to give today and tomorrow. My audiences will benefit from yesterday’s disaster.

I pray that you are on the road to recovery from your own personal setbacks. Remember that the test is the testimony!

I would love to hear how you recover from failure. Post your comments below.