Repeating the same task repeatedly can sometimes become wearisome and discouraging.  It can also become a catalyst for success.  Malcom Gladwell wrote about the 10,000 Hour Rule which helps individuals achieve what he coined as outlier status.  He cites a neurologist, Daniel Levitin who writes, “It seems to take the brain this long to assimilate all that it needs to know and achieve true mastery.”  (Outliers, 2008)

Unfortunately, fear of failure sometimes overshadows our thinking and our confidence wanes when we try over and over to make changes in our lives. Sometimes the most difficult part of trying again and again and again is acknowledging and accepting the feelings (sometimes quite uncomfortable feelings) that are linked to the repeated attempts at making a change. (This is especially true if one has experienced a recent setback in an attempt.)

In the midst of trying (and sometimes we are not successful), our perspective is important.  Thomas Edison is reported to have said, “If I find 10,000 ways something won’t work, I haven’t failed.  I am not discouraged, because every wrong attempt discarded is another step forward.”  What we tell ourselves is vital.  We do not move forward when we remain stuck in thoughts of failure.  Try again.  Remind yourself that in the trying there is forward movement.

Marlayne Whitlock, LAPC
MWhitlock @GROWcounseling.com