Celebrating Failure

1) Tell us about a time this past semester that you failed -- whether in this class, or outside of this class. Don't spare any details! It'd be even better if there was something you tried several times this semester, and failed each time. 

Looking back on this semester, I would have to say that the one thing that I "failed" at the most was probably Business Finance. Specifically, the first exam of the class. Coming into this semester, and knowing what Business Finance entailed, I tried to prepare myself for the difficult work that was required. Before the first exam, I studied hard for it. Spending many hours each day up until the test hoping that I could at least do somewhat decent on the first exam. However, after the first five minutes of looking at the exam, I realized that I failed.

2) Tell us what you learned from it.  

I learned from that exam that I needed to change my studying habits before the next exam. Starting just a few days early wasn't enough and I knew that I needed to start doing more practice problems. It didn't feel good going into an exam thinking you are prepared, only to find out that you only knew about half of what was on the exam. I am someone that does well with regards to academics so seeing that I failed on something that I studied substantially for was devastating. However, I know that I can learn from this an have been changing my studying habits to help me do better in the class.

3) Reflect, in general, on what you think about failure. Failure is hard, isn't it? It's embarrassing, sure, but it also means that we have to change something about ourselves. Talk about how you handle failure (emotionally, behaviorally). Finally, talk about how this class has changed your perspective on failure -- are you more likely to take a risk now than you were four months ago? 

Whenever I fail something, I try to not let it get to me as that can affect how I will do on other things that are currently happening. I try to focus on how I failed, and explore other ways of approaching this situation to succeed the next time I encounter it. In the beginning, when I realize I failed, it does affect me emotionally. I am usually feeling pretty down and bad about myself because I let myself fail. I try to eliminate this feeling as quickly as possible, though, because I know it isn't good to dwell on those things that you no longer have control over. Since starting this class, I actually feel less likely to take as many risks because taking the safer route, in the long run, provides consistent results.