Overcoming Failure
Written by: Lesli Lame, Harrisonville Middle School Teacher
Failure can feel particularly stinging when you are in a role where you are shaping young minds. Yet, it is in these moments of adversity that we often find our greatest opportunities for growth.
Teaching is a noble profession filled with immense rewards. Nevertheless, it’s also a career punctuated by challenges and, inevitably, setbacks. Failure can feel particularly stinging when you are in a role where you are shaping young minds. Yet, it is in these moments of adversity that we often find our greatest opportunities for growth. It is important to make sure that we acknowledge both the good and the bad – the growths and the setbacks, when it comes to education.
Failing is a Normal Part of Life
To overcome failure we must first acknowledge that failing is a normal part of life. We have all experienced failure at one point in time or another. In a profession as complex as teaching failure is not only a normal experience, but also one that we experience frequently. Every educator has faced challenges, from struggling to connect with a particular student to implementing a lesson plan that did not go as planned. Remember, failure is not a reflection of your worth as a teacher; it is a chance to learn and improve. More importantly, it is our job as educators to show our students that we are human and we fail sometimes as well but that we do not give up.
Reflect and Learn
Instead of dwelling on the negative, use failure as a catalyst for growth. Ask yourself:
- What went wrong?
- What could I have done differently?
- What can I learn from this experience?
Honest self-reflection can provide invaluable insights into your teaching practices. The key word here is honest – it is easy to push your failures off onto others and build up excuses. Instead, acknowledge what went wrong, what you can do differently, and what you can learn from the experience. Most of the time I have found that there was a lot that I did right and I only have to change a few things. Very rarely to we have to throw out everything that we did and start brand new.
Seek Support
Don’t hesitate to reach out to colleagues, mentors, or administrators for support. Sharing your experiences with others can help you gain new perspectives and find solutions. Collaborative problem solving can be incredibly empowering. As educators, we must remember that we are not in this alone. Lean on your colleagues for support but also be their support as well.
Embrace a Growth Mindset
A growth mindset is essential for overcoming failure. View challenges as opportunities to learn and develop new skills. Believe in your ability to improve and grow as an educator. We frequently ask that our students embrace the idea of a growth mindset. We must adapt this practice for ourselves too.
Celebrate Small Wins
It is easy to focus on the setbacks, but it is equally important to recognize your successes. Celebrate even the smallest victories. These positive reinforcements can boost your morale and help you stay motivated.
Focus on Student Growth
Remember, teaching is about making a difference in students’ lives. While it is natural to feel disappointed when things do not go as planned, try to shift your focus to your students’ progress. Even if a lesson or project does not meet your expectations, there might be valuable learning experiences happening for your students.
Resilience is Key
Building resilience is crucial for educators. It is the ability to bounce back from setbacks and keep moving forward. Practice self-care, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and find ways to recharge. Overcoming failure is a journey, not a destination. It requires patience, perseverance, and a willingness to learn. By embracing challenges as opportunities for growth, educators can develop the resilience and expertise needed to make a lasting impact on their students’ lives.
