What Does Failing Mean?
UGH! I am
NOT my failures
Failure can often be seen by a
performer as an indication of their ability. “If I can’t get this move right, I
must not be a good dancer” or “I wasn’t picked for a particular role in a
performance, therefore I am not good enough to be a dancer” are examples of this
thinking.
To these people the concept of 'failing' is seen as a negative and therefore attracts
other, more damaging thoughts (e.g., I am not a good dancer / student / friend).
Over a period of time, if you had these thoughts rolling around in your head, you would
likely accept the thoughts and eventually start acting to make them come true (i.e., start
dancing poorly).
Psychologists would agree that our thoughts and our behaviors are in some way linked.
So it is important to view failure not as a negative indication of our performing ability,
but rather a positive indication of what is needed to succeed in the future.
Ready,
Set, Motivate!
The way we perceive events
will also affect our levels of motivation. It would seem obvious that if we are constantly
receiving negative reinforcement, we would refrain from continuing that behavior. And vice
versa -- if we receive positive reinforcement we will attempt to continue that behavior.
What is the driving force behind your motivation? Are you motivated to succeed or
motivated to avoid failure? Dancers who are motivated to succeed will see failing as
merely another stepping stone to success.
Dancers who are motivated to avoid failure, ultimately still want to succeed, but place
the majority of their thoughts on how their failures will be negatively evaluated by
themselves and significant others. These people will either strive to be in situations
where they are guaranteed success, or where they are assured of failure. In both cases
there is no possibility of positively evaluating their failure.
I believe the concept of failure and success has been over emphasized in our society,
by everything from the media, to sport, to recognition at school for excellent
performances. The point that is pushed is that success is desired and failure is seen as a
sign of weakness. I would disagree.
Failure can be an important catalyst to success. One only has to look at any successful
person and they will have a story about how they have at some stage of their life failed.
This concept is highlighted in a recent Michael Jordan commercial, in which he describes
all the failures he has had, which have lead to his success.
What can you do? Pick yourself up, learn from the errors, and use them to firmly step
up to your next level, improving future performances. Remember there will always be
another show.
Gavin
Freeman |
