We engage in multiple types of tasks and endeavors in life, and sometimes with some of those tasks and endeavors, we may meet with defeat. What is defeat and how do we handle it.
Defeat occurs when you set out to meet a goal and you don't get there. Defeat, like all experiences in life, occurs on a continuum--there are small defeats and great defeats in life. If we pay attention to the small losses, we can often avoid the big losses or defeats.
So, when do we experience defeat, and how do we handle it.
Recently, I felt like I was experiencing some good success with a project I've embarked on, and then there was a moment of defeat. The success took a turn backwards. I was surprised, and tried to react with as much calm and understanding as possible, yet my response was not as good as I hoped for.
As I ponder this small defeat, what did I learn.
First, I had not relayed some information which may have prevented the defeat. I didn't relay the information for fear of over-communicating, but in hindsight, if I had relayed the information, I may have avoided the small loss that occurred.
And, there's an unmistakeable area of confusion related to this defeat. The loss made me aware of an area of this project work that I can't wrap my head around--an area I simply don't understand well yet. One I'll have to research more.
Further, there's a bit of fear. As an anticipator, I often look ahead and consider what may or may not happen in most situations. That's why I often try to prevent any bad scenarios I can imagine beforehand. Of course, you can't prevent all missteps or accidents, but with good planning, I believe you can prevent many of mistakes that could occur. In this error, prevention was not a great consideration, thus creating some fear.
Defeat like any experience in life is a teacher. When we are defeated we can find a better way to move ahead with new awareness and new knowledge. That's a positive aspect of defeat.
With this defeat a reality, I'll take what I learned and embrace the project path with a wiser plan. Onward.