Why You’re Not a Failure, and How To Keep Moving Forward
Life lessons from living with bipolar disorder.
Hi there!
Here’s a truth I don’t share with most people: I feel like a failure every day.
My business is not where I want it to be, my career pays me much less than I’m worth, and my mental health is like riding a roller coaster in a hurricane. And we’re not even going to talk about relationships.
The worst feelings come from bipolar, but when I take the time to reason on it, I know the label “failure” doesn’t really apply to me. It doesn’t for you either. Here’s why.
Success is a journey, not a destination. As long as you’re still trying, you haven’t failed. The day you give up is the day failure becomes real. So as long as you’re still putting one foot in front of the other, even on your worst days, you are succeeding.
This isn’t to say that we should be content with where we are. We should always strive to do better and be better. But it’s important to remember that progress, not perfection, is the key to success.
As long as we’re moving forward, even if it’s just a tiny bit, we are on the right track.
“There is no failure except in no longer trying.”
- Elbert Hubbard
How to Keep Going
How do you keep going on the days you feel like you’re failing? Here are three things that can help.
Remember that everyone has bad days. Everyone has moments (or days, or weeks) when they feel like they’re not good enough. The important thing is to not let those moments define you.
Find someone who believes in you. This could be a friend, family member, therapist, or even a stranger. Sometimes all it takes is one person to remind you that you are worth fighting for.
Give yourself some grace. Beating yourself up will not help anything. Be gentle with yourself, and remember that you are doing the best you can. It also helps to think of your past successes.
Scott Ninneman publishes two newsletters each week. The Sunday All Things Bipolar Newsletter features the newest content about bipolar life. The Speaking Bipolar Positivity Club Newsletter shares inspirational stories three times a week to help you maintain a positive mindset.
You Are Succeeding
When your brain is screaming insults at you, it’s hard to believe anything positive about yourself, but there are always good things in every day. The simple fact that you are still here, still in the fight, is proof you are not a failure.
A failure would have quit long ago. Every time you choose to keep living, you are succeeding.
Never forget the power of staying in the fight.
So if you’re feeling like a failure today, remember that you’re not. You’re just on a journey with a lot of ups and downs. All you need to do is to keep going.
Don’t give up on yourself, because as long as you’re still trying, you haven’t failed. And that’s the only failure that really matters.
What are your thoughts on success? How do you stay motivated when things get tough? Share in the comments below.
Journal Prompt: Do you feel like you are a success? Why or why not? If not, are your reasons rational? How can you improve?
Creative Writing Prompt: Write a story that begins with the line, “You are the most successful person I know.” Why does the speaker think your character is successful?
Until next time, keep fighting.
Scott Ninneman
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