We have all heard terms like failing forward, failing upward and even the power of failure. But when we feel as though we have failed at something, it doesn't always feel like a positive experience. How can we begin to see the positive in failure?

Changing our perspective is often the key to finding success in seeming failure. Optimistic thinking can sometimes feel unrealistic, but research has found that we can live happier, healthier, and more successful lives if we can learn to discover the opportunities in problems, failures, or unrealized goals. These become opportunities that we can turn to our advantage. Why? Because we learn something each time we fail! Failure becomes an opportunity for personal growth.

So, how does this relate to our health goals? Health Coaches say these words several times each week, "there is no pass or fail when it comes to goal setting - only learning!". Think of the times that you have set a goal to lose weight, increase exercise, get more sleep, or reduce the stress in your life. How many times did you have to try before you were successful? Probably several. That is because success takes practice! Do not become discouraged if you set goals that you have not reached. You have learned more than you know by simply trying! Build on what you have learned, make necessary adjustments, and figure out what got in the way. Then, try again using what you have learned. It may take several attempts before a goal is realized, the important thing is to keep trying!

And, most importantly, always remember that failure is a natural part of everyday life. It is also a stepping stone to success! Failure offers us the gift of learning, the means to become stronger, the possibility for change, and the chance to see new opportunities.