How do you cope with failure?

Question

I've just got my AS Levels back, and although I worked my absolute hardest, I didn't do as well as I had hoped and now face the possibility of not being able to study medicine, a career I had chosen since I was 12 years old. All I feel is the crushing sense of being a failure and I REALLLY need a way of lifting myself out of it, seeing as I have my UKCAT exam in a couple of weeks and I need to do as well as humanely possible.

Please help :'(

Answer 1

Recognize two things:

1. You're human, so there are limitations.

2. Aspirations, abilities, and opportunities are not always in sync. A failure in pursuing the medical field, doesn't rule you out as a person of self-worth. My answer is NOT about religion, but about realizing that you are uniquely, and marvelously made in God's image for God, not you. His purpose is for you to serve, love, and become like Him in character. A relationship with Him should be your greatest focus, so you will receive the guidance, encouragement, power, understanding, and wisdom you need to maximize your potential.

God is wisdom, and He gives it to those who live for Him. It's written that when we fully trust in Him and don't rely on our own understanding, but acknowledge Him in every way, He will direct our path (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Do you already have this relationship? If not, and you want greater direction in life before going a step further, pray this simple prayer out loud:

"Dear Lord Jesus, come into my heart. Forgive me of my sin. Wash me and cleanse me. Set me free. Jesus, thank You that You died for me. I believe that You are risen from the dead and that You’re coming back again for me. Fill me with the Holy Spirit. Give me a passion for the lost, a hunger for the things of God and a holy boldness to preach the gospel of  Jesus Christ. I’m saved; I’m born again, I’m forgiven and I’m on my way to Heaven because I have Jesus in my heart. Amen."

If you meant what you prayed, Congratulations! That's Step #1.

Step #2:You have to keep the relationship going by:

o Talking to God everyday. Let Him have your worries.

o Daily read, practice, and meditate on His Word (the Bible). Start with the books of Proverbs, Mark, and James,. Try an easy-to-read version, like CEV or The Message.

o Make friends and get involved serving at a local Bible-teaching church.

o Tell others about Jesus.

Answer 2

You have to learn from it... How could you do better in the future? Is there a certain thing you need to study? At the very least, what was the test structure like? (And how can that help you?)

Answer 3

By getting up and trying again and don't give up.

Answer 4

Unfortunately, passing A Levels these days is a skill, like a driving test. My advice would be to learn what the examiners want, and deliver it. I heard on the news today that they've introduced a new A* grade which "allows the candidate more freedom to answer with their own thoughts and interpretations" - viz., allows the candidate to *think* about the answer.

So get as many past UKCAT papers as you can, look at what sort of answers are expected, deliver them, don't think too much. You are probably only a "failure" because you have't played their *targets* game. Sad but true.

Answer 5

if you tried your best you did not fail!