Published on 21 July 2023 6 min read

Accept and assess the failure
Reset your mindset
Set smaller, achievable goals
Find new inspiration
Surround yourself with positive influences
Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Persist until you succeed

Everyone encounters failure at some point. It's a part of life. But picking yourself up and finding inspiration after failure can sometimes feel like trying to find a needle in a haystack. Feeling stuck in a rut after a setback is normal, but staying stuck is not. So, how do you bounce back? Here are seven practical steps that will guide you through the process of finding inspiration after failure, helping you to regain your motivation and move forward.

Accept and assess the failure

It's okay to feel disappointed when things don't go as planned. However, the first step towards finding inspiration after failure is to accept what happened. Acknowledge your feelings without blaming yourself. Remember, you are not your failure. Once you've done this, it's time to take a good, hard look at what went wrong.

Identify the mistake: Figuring out where things went wrong is like putting together a puzzle. Look at the bigger picture and identify the pieces that didn't quite fit. This could be anything from a missed deadline to a flawed strategy.
Learn from it: Once you've identified the mistake, it's time to learn from it. Did you take on too much at once? Did you ignore red flags? Understanding what led to your failure can help you make better decisions in the future.
Make a plan: After learning from your mistake, it's time to plan your next steps. This could involve setting more realistic goals, seeking advice from others, or even taking a break to regain your energy.

Finding inspiration after failure starts with acceptance and assessment. By understanding what went wrong, you can turn your failure into a stepping stone towards success.

Reset your mindset

The next step in finding inspiration after failure is resetting your mindset. It's like hitting the refresh button on your computer when it starts to slow down. Your mindset plays a significant role in how you react to failure, and resetting it can help you see failure as an opportunity instead of a setback.

Change your perspective: Instead of seeing failure as a dead-end, view it as a detour. Yes, you've hit a roadblock, but that doesn't mean the journey is over. It's simply a chance to explore a new route.
Practice positive self-talk: The way you talk to yourself matters. If you're constantly telling yourself, "I can't do this," guess what? You probably won't do it. Instead, try saying, "I can learn from this," or, "I will try a different approach."
Adopt a growth mindset: People with a growth mindset see challenges as opportunities to grow. They understand that failure is not a reflection of their abilities, but rather an opportunity to improve and learn. Adopting this mindset can help you bounce back faster after a setback.

Resetting your mindset can feel like a daunting task, especially after a failure. But remember, it's not about ignoring your feelings. It's about acknowledging them and then choosing to view your situation in a more positive light. And who knows? You might find the inspiration you've been looking for right there in your changed perspective.

Set smaller, achievable goals

After experiencing a setback, it's beneficial to take a step back and reevaluate your goals. Sometimes, the disappointment stems from biting off more than you can chew. In the journey of finding inspiration after failure, setting smaller, achievable goals can make a massive difference.

Break it down: Large goals can be overwhelming. Break them down into smaller, more manageable tasks. For instance, if you want to write a novel, start by writing a single page each day. Before you know it, you'll have a finished book.
Be specific: Specific goals are easier to achieve. For example, instead of saying, "I want to get fit," say, "I want to be able to run a mile without stopping in two months."
Celebrate small wins: Every time you achieve a small goal, give yourself a pat on the back. This will not only boost your confidence but also motivate you to keep going. So, finished that page of your novel? Great job! Ran half a mile without stopping? That’s progress!

Setting smaller, achievable goals is like creating stepping stones across a river. Each small success is a stone that gets you closer to the other side. And remember, it's okay if you stumble. Even the smallest step forward is still progress. So, keep going, and don't forget to celebrate your wins along the way. You're doing great!

Find new inspiration

When we stumble, it can be tough to find the energy to stand up again. But one key element of finding inspiration after failure is to look for new sources of motivation. Here's how you can do it:

Try something new: Exploring different areas can spark creativity and motivate you. If you've been writing, try painting. If you've been coding, try cooking. You never know what other passions you might discover.
Read inspirational stories: Reading about the journeys of successful people can provide a fresh perspective. Remember, every successful individual—like Thomas Edison or J.K. Rowling—has faced numerous failures before achieving success.
Connect with nature: Sometimes, a change of scenery can do wonders. Nature has a way of calming our minds and sparking creativity. Try taking a walk in the park, hiking up a mountain, or even just sitting in your garden.

Remember, inspiration is all around us—you just have to look for it. So, get out there, explore, and let the world inspire you. Finding new inspiration after failure is not only possible, it can be the start of an exciting new chapter in your life.

Surround yourself with positive influences

It's said that you're the average of the five people you spend the most time with. When it comes to finding inspiration after failure, this couldn't be more accurate. Surrounding yourself with positive influences can help uplift you in challenging times.

Find your support squad: A supportive network of friends, family, or mentors can provide encouragement. They remind you that everyone experiences failure and it's not the end of the world.
Seek out positive role models: Look for people who inspire you. They could be industry leaders, authors, or even fictional characters. Observe how they handle failure and draw strength from their experiences.
Engage in positive communities: Join clubs, online forums, or groups that share your interests. These communities can provide a sense of belonging and offer new ideas and perspectives.

Remember, positive influences aren't just people—they can be books, podcasts, or even an uplifting music playlist. So, make it a point to fill your environment with positivity. You might find that finding inspiration after failure becomes a lot easier when you're surrounded by a sea of positivity.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle

After facing failure, it's easy to forget the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. But, let me tell you, your physical health can greatly impact your mental state. So, let's dive into how keeping your body healthy can aid in finding inspiration after failure.

Exercise regularly: It's no secret that exercise releases endorphins, the body's feel-good hormones. These can help lighten your mood and provide a fresh perspective on your situation.
Maintain a balanced diet: What you eat can affect how you feel. Consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can keep your energy levels steady and your mind sharp.
Get enough sleep: Fatigue can make it hard to find inspiration and motivation. Make sure you're getting a good night's sleep to recharge your brain and boost your mood.

Remember, a healthy body supports a healthy mind. By taking care of your physical health, you'll be better equipped to bounce back from failure and find inspiration for your next venture. After all, an apple a day does more than just keep the doctor away—it might just give you the energy boost you need to tackle your next big idea head-on.

Persist until you succeed

When you've stumbled and your confidence has taken a hit, it's easy to feel like throwing in the towel. But remember, real success often comes after multiple attempts and repeated failures. Hang in there, and let's talk about persisting until you succeed.

Embrace the journey: Understand that failure is not the opposite of success, but a part of it. Every successful person you admire has a catalog of failures behind them. It's their persistence in finding inspiration after failure that led them to success. Ask yourself: What can you learn from each failure? How can it make you stronger?

Keep trying: In the words of inventor Thomas Edison, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." Don't see a failed attempt as a sign to stop. Instead, view it as a stepping stone, getting you one step closer to finding the way that will work.

Never stop believing: Faith in oneself is a powerful motivator. Keep reminding yourself of your abilities and talents, and believe that you can and will succeed. The path to success is rarely a straight line, and it's your belief in yourself that will keep you moving forward.

Ultimately, persistence is about having the courage to keep going, despite the setbacks. It's about finding inspiration after failure and using it to fuel your progress. Remember, the only real failure is when you stop trying. So, keep pushing, keep evolving, and keep trying. You've got this!

If you're looking for more ways to stay motivated after facing failure, check out Ana Gomez de Leon's workshop, 'How To Overcome Creative Blocks & Find Inspiration.' This workshop will provide you with practical tips and strategies on how to bounce back from setbacks and maintain your motivation as a creative.