It’s the day after the big game, the big deal (that didn’t go through), the goal you didn’t make, and you are heartbroken. You gave it everything you had, your very best, and things didn’t go according to your plan. I am sure you have been there. Waking up and facing another day, when you feel as though you’ve failed, is hard. You put your heart and soul into something. You were sure that this was going to be that big great “fill in the blank”, and then, it doesn’t happen. Perhaps I am the only one this has happened to, but I doubt it! Well, here is something to think about.

Many of us deal with failures on a daily basis. Although, we have periods of frustration, regret and sadness, life keeps moving. So here are a few tricks you can use to get yourself back into step.

First, celebrate the fact that you made an attempt. Even when you don’t win, at least you know you tried. You took some risks, and played the game, and that is enough of a reason for a celebration. Many people fail because they never even tried. You got in the race, and gave it your best, so celebrate.

Next, look at what you learned. There are lessons everywhere. There is an even greater lesson, when you fail. Stop beating up on yourself, and ask yourself some important questions. What would I change? What did I do well? What didn’t I do enough of i.e. promoting, exercising, making more calls, etc? What didn’t I know before, that I know now? Asking and answering these questions can be like digging in a gold mine.  Also, what you learn you can implement next time.

Design a better strategy. Take the information you learned and turn it into a better strategy. Information is power, but only if you actually use it. Turn the lessons you learned into a new and better strategy you can use the next time. For instance, if you didn’t make your sales goal, figure out how many calls you made and be willing to double it, to get even greater results. Think out of the box with some new ideas, and take some more risks. If you are trying to lose weight, and you gained instead, make a list, go to the grocery store and be more strategic about what you buy. Make it harder for you to cheat, and easier for you to win.  If you didn’t go to the gym and workout, make a gym target, perhaps you commit to working out 4 days a week.  So focus on not just meeting your goals,  but exceed them. A strong strategy makes a huge difference. Next time change your strategy to make it easier for you to win.

Lastly, get back in the saddle and try again. Well armed, with this new information start again. Many people quit when they don’t reach their goals.  Don’t be one of them.  Since you have failed in the past you already know what doesn’t work, so you are more likely to be able to figure out, what does work. Get back up there and try again, this maybe your winner’s circle moment. With all of the hard work you put in, and with all of the information you attained, this could be your time to shine. Remember quitters never win, and winners never quit! So choose to try again, and Go for it!