Calendar Books by Allen James - Daily Reading - "The Journey: A Calendar Book"

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Allen James thought for August 20th from The Journey: A Calendar Book reads,

"Accept defeat" (James, 2012).

What a difficult task it is to accept defeat, especially for the individual who has been reared to believe defeat is not an option.  We all fail.  Failure is part of the ingredients which make up personal success.  Defeat is inevitable. Accepting defeat means acknowledging we aren't perfect and acknowledging growth is always transpiring in our lives. 

Failure is definitely a difficult pill to swallow. Yet it can be less difficult when we approach it with the appropriate attitude, knowing defeat's impact is only momentarily experienced, then we move forward with action. It has been stated one’s character can be ascertained by the way they accept defeat. Therefore, today's blog suggests 5 ways to confront defeat with grace.  As each is over-viewed, think about how they can be applied personally.

Accept it: It happened. Big deal! We possess the power to let it impact us for days or for a few hours or not at all. It happens to everyone hundreds of times throughout our lives.

Learn from it: We must learn to look at losing as a failure, or we can accept it as a challenge to better our lives. Competition should not be about others but us. We can opt to use the defeat to better or lose ourselves. It’s our individual choice.

 Move forward: When we set our sights on a new goal we progress at a more rapid pace. When we create new challenges for ourselves we quickly learn to realize defeat equals growth. Experiencing a big defeat, or setting our sights on smaller goals until completion of the bigger picture assists us in being more realistic about what we want and how to get there...about attaining personal success. Just remember, any accomplished journey comes from small steps, so keep moving.

Emulate: Think about how role models/idols have dealt with defeat? There are many successful ways to cope with it. Discover the ways those individuals have chosen to handle their defeat. It’s likely their solution can work for others as well.

Avoid Distraction: Instead of letting self-doubt and negativity occupy our minds, directing attention somewhere else is always profitable in cases of defeat. Volunteer or spend time helping someone else get over their problems. These activities can additionally do wonders for self-esteem.

Accept defeat, and continue growth; personal success is not far ahead.  Keep looking up.  : )   AJ