2020 Constantine-Yorkville Virtual Run
2020 Constantine-Yorkville
Virtual Run
September 19th, 2020 (or 26th if raining)
GEM Voices

Let's Talk About Failure

Written By
Rhidita, GEM Alumna
January 16, 2023

As humans, failure is inevitable, but overcoming the initial devastation of failure is fundamental to our growth and wellbeing.  When we look at the most successful and highly regarded people, we usually only see the end result – the overnight fame or the prestigious award. The journey towards achieving success is one we must examine more closely.  

From a young age, we are taught that failure is bad, making mistakes means we are stupid and that the only consequence of failure is punishment. This mindset can be detrimental to a young person’s growth and development. It can make them feel worthless and incapable of achieving their goals. In some cases, it can make them feel their identity has become their failure.  

This shouldn’t be the case.  

I will share with you a story that changed my own outlook on failure.

In an interview, a famous Indian actress shared that after a series of well-received and successful films, she was involved in one that did really, really badly. She, of course, felt shame, humiliated and disappointed in herself. While others around her and people on social media were putting her down for her failure, her father called her and congratulated her on her first “flop” film. He told her that it was important that she experienced this kind of failure because it was likely to happen again in the future and she should take this failure as an opportunity to learn and rebound from it. As Bill Gates said, “It’s fine to celebrate success, but it is more important to heed the lessons of failure”. After that failure, she went on a solo vacation to reflect on what her father said, and the following year, she released a very successful film that won her an award. Both failure and success are temporary, so it is essential to keep moving and learning at every step.  

In grade 9, I remember feeling insecure about my ability to speak French. Although I enjoyed French class, I always had the fear of mispronouncing or incorrectly translating a word. Thankfully, I had a teacher who had a positive outlook on failure. If someone made a mistake, she would first thank them for making the mistake and then correct them. Her attitude gave us a comfortable learning environment that allowed us to take risks. She told us that making mistakes was the best way to learn because once you make a mistake, you will never forget it. Albert Einstein once said that “anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new”. This is true because if you are perfect at everything you do, you are stuck in a comfortable place without growth. To be continuously improving and achieving bigger dreams, one must break away from their cocoons of comfort and experience the fear and thrill of failing.  

Failure makes you fearless. When you already know what it feels like to be at rock bottom, you know the only place to go is up. Failing gives you the drive to dive straight into your weaknesses and the motivation to become stronger.  

Failure gives you the humility and innocence of approaching new tasks like a child, having no expectations of the outcome and enjoying the process. For example, if you are starting a new project and you fail several times in the process, it’s important to keep innovating and producing ideas because, at some point, your project will succeed. As Robert F. Kennedy said, “only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly”. So be fearless and don’t let the fear of failure limit you.  

Overcoming failure is easier said than done but the most important thing to do when overcoming failure is to talk it through with the people who care about you, like your family and close friends. Don’t isolate yourself or continuously stress over what has already happened. Practice healthy coping mechanisms to help you move forward, like physical exercise, walking in nature, meditation, journaling, painting or listening to music.  

Next, take the time to reflect and accept what has happened. From what I know, time travel has not yet been invented so you can’t go back to fix your mistakes. What you can do is be present, acknowledge the failure, and learn from it. Separate the failure from your identity. Remember that even though you experienced failure, you are not a failure yourself. Making this distinction will give you perspective and compassion for yourself.  

After that, be sure to take constructive criticism from the people you know genuinely have your best interest in mind. This could be your family, friends, teachers, mentors, etc. Work with them to get an outside perspective and to see where you could improve. Write down some learning points for yourself and visualize yourself applying those lessons learned in your future tasks. Create an action plan with your personal reflections and constructive criticism in mind.  

Lastly, say “thank you, next” and move on with your life.

Support #TeamGEM at this year’s Yorkville Virtual Run!

This year, the Yorkville Run will be held virtually from September 13th to September 27th, 2020. Below are the different ways you can participate and support us this year.

1) REGISTER TO Run or Walk with #TEAMGEM

Together, from the safety and comfort of our own neighbourhoods (or anywhere you choose, as long as it abides social distancing rules) we will be RUNNING or WALKING for #TeamGEM on September 19th, 2020 (or on September 26th if it’s raining).

Click here to register

All registered participants will receive a Premium Race Kit and customized Starter's Medal.

To prove your participation, you must do one of the following:

  • Record your run by using our custom Starter's Medal and/or a GPS App such as STRAVA, ASICS RUN KEEPER, or NIKE PLUS and submit your time and a photo of your time to your Race Roster profile.
  • Post a selfie/run photo or video taken during or after your run on Facebook or Instagram and follow @YorkvilleRun and tag ​#TeamGEM, #YorkvilleRun, and #Constantine5K. There are several partner prizes to be won!
2) SPONSOR A GEMGIRL TO PARTICIPATE

We have a roster of GEMgirls who would like to run for #TeamGEM. Donate now to help them register!

SPONSOR A GEMGIRL
3) Donate to a #teamGEM runner

If you can't make it, you can also support a #TEAMGEM runner.

SPONSOR A RUNNER
Dates to Remember
Tuesday, September 8th
to Saturday, September 12th, 2020
Race Kit Pick-up. Participants will be notified via email where in Yorkville you can pick up your race kit.
Sunday, September 13th, 2020
at 9:00 AM
Virtual Event Kick-Off. Join the Constantine Yorkville Run’s Virtual Event Kick-Off by tuning into Facebook & Instagram Live.
Saturday, September 19th, 2020
Run or walk anytime, anywhere for #TeamGEM!
Saturday, September 26th, 2020
#TeamGEM's back up day should weather prevent the run on the 19th.
Saturday, September 26th, 2020
at 5:00 PM
Winners of the Constantine-Yorkville Run’s fundraising prizes will be determined.
Sunday, September 27th, 2020
at 9:00 AM
Join the Constantine-Yorkville Run’s Virtual Event Closing Ceremony by tuning into Facebook & Instagram Live. Hear from our partners and share in the run's exciting fundraising achievement! Fundraising prizes will also be rewarded.

Your support at the Constantine-Yorkville Run this year will raise awareness and funds for the GEM program, which directly impacts young women in our communities and gives them the skills and tools they need to succeed.

Thank you for supporting mentorship!

Questions? Contact us at info@girlsementorship.com

Downloads

Share your participation and support on social media! You can retweet/share GEM’s run postings or use our branded material for the run.

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