How to Train to Avert Failure

It's often said that it's better to try and fail than never to try at all, and this is good advice given that you will never succeed at anything if you don't try. That being said, failure is never fun, and it's reasonable to set yourself a goal of training to avert failure in whatever you attempt. You can minimize your chances of failure by carefully thinking through past failures and successes, and then applying your observations to future attempts.

Instructions

• 1

  Make a list of specific failures in your past that you have found bothersome and want to avoid in the future. For example, if you failed to get your dream job after attending the interview, if you have come in last in athletic competitions or if you simply cannot seem to get a date, these might be areas in which you want to train to avoid failure.

• 2

  Identify the factors that led up to these failures. This might be easy or hard, and it will involve considerable contemplation. You will want to identify the circumstances that led to the failures, especially those that were within your control but also those that were not within your control. Be as specific as possible.

• 3

  Turn your reasons for failure into goals. If you want more dates, set practical steps for yourself. Maybe you could make more eye contact or read a book about successful dating.

• 4

  Plan ahead when you identify upcoming projects or events that might have the risk for a failure. If you are trying to improve your placement in a sporting event, for example, make sure that you eat right and train accordingly in the weeks up to the competition. Give yourself every advantage.

• 5

  Make friends with those who are succeeding. You can absorb ideas and tactics for success by being close to people who have what you want.

• 6

  Visualize your success. Try to imagine yourself succeeding at the new skill. Imagine having it be easy for you. Feel those feelings until it is really happening.