What is Failure?
I have to ask myself this, since I have been obsessively calling myself a failure. So, rather than jump off the nearest building because I can't seem to change careers during a kick-ass recession, I figured I'd meditate on exactly what the fuck I'm telling myself. So first I said "Self, define failure." Myself said "failure is not getting the results I wanted the first time I try something." "OK, self, so given that definition of failure, is success solely getting the results you want the first time you try? Or is there more to success than that?" I know I have achieved things in life that many people consider markings of success. But does that make me a success? Would I be more truly successful if I believe myself to be successful regardless of American definitions of success?
wait, stop. Success and failure aren't states of being, they're judgments we put on ourselves and others. right? how many multi-millionaire bankers feel like abject failures because they didn't make their bonus targets last year? Yet when they roll by in their six-figure cars, we all label them "success." Except the more self-actualized among us, who don't even realize the banker's car cost more than most, and wonder why that fool is even driving a car in Manhattan.
I judge myself a failure for not hitting what I aimed for, while others judge me a success for having a talent to understand designers as very few do. Yet I judge myself a failure because people outside of the fashion industry can't seem to comprehend how that talent could possibly cross over into their industry.
So what's your definition of success? For you, and for others? Is it different? How do you react when it eludes you?
wait, stop. Success and failure aren't states of being, they're judgments we put on ourselves and others. right? how many multi-millionaire bankers feel like abject failures because they didn't make their bonus targets last year? Yet when they roll by in their six-figure cars, we all label them "success." Except the more self-actualized among us, who don't even realize the banker's car cost more than most, and wonder why that fool is even driving a car in Manhattan.
I judge myself a failure for not hitting what I aimed for, while others judge me a success for having a talent to understand designers as very few do. Yet I judge myself a failure because people outside of the fashion industry can't seem to comprehend how that talent could possibly cross over into their industry.
So what's your definition of success? For you, and for others? Is it different? How do you react when it eludes you?