When work weighs on you
I failed at something important
My friend, you put a lot into this, and it didn't work out. Maybe it seems everyone saw, and your name is now tied to the loss. It hurts, and it's natural that it hurts: only things that matter hurt like this. But something fell, not you. The attempt didn't succeed, and the person who tried is still here, with everything learned along the way. First give yourself time to hurt, without rushing to find the bright side. Only then look, gently, at what worked and what didn't.
Questions for you
What depended on me and what didn't?
A possible answerSplit it honestly in two. For your part, look for what you can learn. The other part, let go of. Don't carry blame for the weather, the market or other people's choices.
What went well, even though the result didn't come?
A possible answerSome courage, a new skill, people you met. The result was missing, but the road left good marks in you.
What would someone who watched me work say about me?
A possible answerThey'd probably speak of the effort, the late nights, what you risked. Their view is often fairer than yours on the day after.
Do I want to try again, differently, or let this go?
A possible answerBoth are worthy choices. Don't decide in the first week. Give it time, then choose out of desire, not out of shame or stubbornness.
Tonight's practice
Write on a page: “What I tried”, “What I learned”, “What I take with me”. Write nothing about what others think.
A thought to keep
“Something fell. You are still standing.”
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