Introduction:
Recently, I shared a TedEd video with my partner about overcoming mistakes. It deeply resonated with her after facing setbacks in her career. When she asked me about my own failures, I felt a pang of discomfort. While I shared some setbacks in my trading career, I omitted a deeper truth, a truth that has haunted me for years.
It’s a truth I’ve been hesitant to share, perhaps out of shame or a bruised ego. But in writing this blog post, I aim to release that burden and share a piece of my story with my future self, and perhaps with others who can relate.
The Weight of Unspoken Failure:
I believe a man’s greatest failure is not providing for his family or failing to deliver on promises of a good life. For a long time, this belief has weighed heavily on me. I’ve felt that my decisions have held me back, leaving me lagging behind my peers. The realization of this came late, and it stung.
For years, I couldn’t shake the feeling of inadequacy. It chipped away at my confidence, making me question my every move. The weight of this unspoken failure became a silent companion, a shadow that followed me everywhere.
Finding Purpose in the Detours:
But as I wrestled with this burden, a shift began to occur. I started to see my perceived failures not as roadblocks, but as detours—unexpected paths leading me to a different destination.
Growing up, I never envisioned myself as a servant. The idea of serving others wasn’t on my radar. But now, I find contentment in serving those around me, whether it’s through my job, sharing knowledge, lending a helping hand, or simply making someone’s day a bit brighter.
A verse from the Bible resonated with me: “If you want to be first, you must be the very last, and the servant of all.” This perspective has become my guiding light, helping me focus less on my past mistakes and more on the present opportunity to serve.
Embracing a New Path:
Today, I choose to release the weight of my past failures. I will no longer dwell on what could have been or compare myself to others. Instead, I’ll wake up each morning with a renewed sense of purpose, ready to serve and bless those around me.
My journey is far from over, and I know there will be more challenges ahead. But I’m no longer afraid of failure. I see it as a teacher, a guide that shapes me into the person I’m meant to become.
Conclusion:
We all have failures, both big and small. They are part of the human experience. But it’s how we respond to those failures that truly matters. By embracing the detours, we can find new paths, new passions, and new ways to serve others.
I encourage you, dear reader, to reflect on your own failures. What lessons have they taught you? How can you turn those experiences into opportunities for growth and service?
Remember, the greatest failure is not in falling down, but in refusing to get back up. So rise, dust yourself off, and embrace the detours. You never know where they might lead you.
