From feeling pressure to conform to societal expectations, to battling against stereotypes and breaking through cultural boundaries, it can be all too easy to succumb to feelings of imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and fear of failure.

However, embracing failure is a natural and necessary part of growth, and with the right strategies and mindset, women can learn to use it as a tool for building their confidence and resilience. While it can be difficult to accept, embracing failure can be incredibly empowering, as it allows us to learn from our mistakes and become more resilient in the face of future challenges. It is important to remember that failure can be a positive experience, and it can provide us with the courage to take risks, develop new skills, and explore innovative opportunities.  

Reframe your mindset

One of the most important strategies for building confidence and resilience is to reframe your mindset around failure. We should see failure as an opportunity for growth and learning, not as a reflection of our abilities or self-worth. Reframe failure as feedback, rather than seeing it as a personal attack on you or your abilities. It can be difficult to change your way of thinking, but intentionality is the key to success.

Seek out role models and support networks

Another key strategy for building confidence and resilience is to seek out positive role models and support networks. Sisterhood is important. You should look for other women who have achieved success despite setbacks and failures and seek their guidance and advice. Don’t assume it has to be someone older, in fact, I’ve found some of my greatest support from women younger than me. I don’t care about age, status, or anything else; all I am interested in is in being part of a community of like-minded women who can provide encouragement and support.

Practice self-compassion

Practice self-compassion to help build resilience and confidence. It’s easy to be hard on ourselves when we fail, but treating ourselves with kindness and understanding, just as we would a close friend going through a difficult time, can help us acknowledge our feelings and emotions without letting them define us or hold us back. Give yourself a well-deserved break, woman! You are worthy of all the amazing things life has to offer.

Practice gratitude

This one is extremely important. Celebrate every little win, no matter how small it may seem! It’s important to count blessings and name them one by one, as this helps to create a positive mindset. Every win is a win and should be seen as a big deal.

Set realistic goals and expectations

Setting realistic goals and expectations is another important strategy for building confidence and resilience. Always break down larger goals into smaller, achievable steps and celebrate your progress along the way. Don’t compare yourself to others, and remember that everyone has their own unique journey and timeline.

Learn from failure

Finally, the most important strategy for building confidence and resilience is to learn from failure. Women should take the time to reflect on what went wrong, what they can do differently next time, and what they learned from the experience. Use failure as a stepping stone to success, not as a roadblock.

My sister, all of these things may seem simple, but it’s important to practice “intentional flexibility”. We must be open to change, especially in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. Adapting to unexpected developments is a key skill to have.  

Remember, failure is not a reflection of your abilities or self-worth — it’s an opportunity for growth and learning.

Let’s keep moving!

This article was originally published on Medium and republished with permission.