\u201cTo err is human\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/strong> <\/p>Alexander Pope<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Despite\nthe fact that each and every person; at some point in their lives has and will\nexperience failure, we\u2019re all afraid to fail. We must then ask ourselves why\nthis is so. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In\nmy exploration, I\u2019ve found that people are afraid to fail because of the\nunderstanding that time is a very important and limited resource. The thought\nof investing loads of time, money and resources into something and then have it\nnot work out is terrifying. Frequently, this bars people from actually pursuing\ntheir dreams or venturing out into new directions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The ancient Stoics firmly believed that the pain and disappointment brought on by failure was an opportunity for self-improvement; that failure presents lessons. The philosopher Epictetus said; <\/p>\n\n\n\n It is worth noting Epictetus was a man who had all the odds stacked against him. Epictetus wasn\u2019t even his real name. \u2018Epikt\u0113tos\u2019 is a Greek word meaning \u2018acquired\u2019. Epictetus was a slave. He wasn\u2019t regarded important enough to be given a name. Yet despite the many obstacles in his life he chose to push through and is now revered as one of the many great philosophers.[1]<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n When\nI think of the reasons why I am afraid to fail, I think about my understanding\nof the concept of opportunity and cost. I think about all the things that I\nwill miss out on because I devoted myself to a particular cause. What the cost\nof being involved in this undertaking will be and all the sacrifices I would\nhave to make. I fear failure because this one life is surely not enough to\naccomplish everything I set out to do. I especially fear failure because each\ntime I am unsuccessful; I have to take a long walk back to my comfort zone. Is\nit worth it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n I\nbelieve that failure to life is what gravity is to our bones. It is a constant\nstressor that forces our activity and strength in our bodies. Failure breaks down\nthe muscles of our inner processes in order to regenerate them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Failure is what helps us toughen our minds for the challenges that lay ahead. We may fear failure and do all we can to avoid it. However, when it occurs, we should not be ashamed or bow our heads in defeat. Failure is a gift that allows us to constantly evolve and improve. Much like gravity, failure is a hard habit to shake off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mshimba Michelle<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Epipectus](\"https:\/\/tmc.ke\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/My-Post-2020-10-19T100731.229.png\")
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