One or two failures or even a series of failures should not make one feel that s/he has reached the end of their journey in life.
Here’s why.
As each day brings in new and fresh opportunities to turn around. Learn to identify them and act on them.
As a career counsellor and career coach for more than 2 decades I help my guidance seekers (mostly adult learners) with the following ways to turn around.
I Show Empathy and Active Listening: – I begin by showing empathy and actively listen to my participants feelings and concerns. Let them express their emotions without judgment and provide a safe space for them to share their thoughts, even a shoulder to cry upon.
With this process I try and help a depressed participant understand that failures are a natural part of life and that there are always new opportunities for growth and success as is essential for their well-being.
Some of the strategies we might use to motivate and support our help seekers to gain results: –
- Try to normalize Failure: – Remember that failure is a common experience and that even the most successful have gone through failures and also failure is a common experience and that even the most successful people have faced setbacks in their lives. Try to read stories of famous individuals who overcame failures to achieve greatness, as this can be reassuring and inspiring for the people in desperate situation, this can be reassuring and inspiring also.
- Try and reframe failure as a new Learning opportunity: – Encourage yourself to see failures as opportunities for growth and learning rather than as reasons to give up. Identify the lessons you can learn from your experiences and how to use these lessons to improve in the future.
- Focus on Effort and Progress: Shift the focus from just the end result to the effort and progress made along the way. Celebrate the hard work and determination you put in, regardless of the immediate outcome.
- Set Realistic Goals: Setting realistic and achievable goals. Break larger goals into smaller, manageable steps, and celebrate each milestone when you reach. This will give you a sense of accomplishment and motivation to keep moving forward.
- Encourage Positive Self-Talk: Become aware of your self-talk and encourage yourself to replace negative thoughts with positive and affirming statements. Positive self-talk can improve your outlook and resilience.
How we at S.O.L.E. help our participants to overcome their desperate situation
- We Foster a supportive Environment within your thought process: We at SOLE Learners have been able to create a supportive, comfortable environment to seek help and guidance. One can always talk to us and take any desired professional help when needed.
- We Teach Coping Strategies: We Teach our participants healthy coping strategies to manage stress and difficult emotions. Techniques such as mindfulness, deep breathing, or engaging in hobbies that are found to be helpful.
- We are very Patient and Understanding: Recovery from depression and setbacks takes time. We remain calm and patient with our participants and understand that progress may be gradual. We offer consistent support and encouragement.
- We can also involve Parents and Guardians: If appropriate, we may also involve our participants parents or guardians in the process. Collaboration with family can enhance the support network and provide a comprehensive approach to the participants well-being. A therapist or counsellor can provide specialized guidance and support tailored to your specific NEEDs.
WE always remember, our role as a mentor is essential in guiding our participants through challenging times. By providing understanding, support, and encouragement, we try and help our participants (mostly adults) to navigate through failures and see the boundless possibilities that lie ahead in life. Also, we do understand that building a strong and positive mentor-participants relationship can be a powerful source of motivation and encouragement. Our belief in their abilities and potential can help them see that each day indeed brings new opportunities for growth and positive change and help our participants to overcome their feelings of depression to make sure it does not persist or worsen.