Look for a silver lining in disappointments

Some view disappointments as a prelude to failure; others view disappointments as stepping stones to success.

Most major achievements are born out of failure and disappointments. The space program failed many times before it succeeded. Experimental space rockets crashed and fell back to earth before a reliable space carrier was developed.

Most medical cures are products of multiple test tube failures.

The Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers failed before they succeeded. Michael Jordan spent six years in the NBA before he won his first championship.

Thomas Edison experimented with countless light bulbs before finding a reliable bulb.

The Arizona Cardinals football team won their division championship for the first time in 33 years.

Some people tend to give up in the face of failure. In doing so, they deny themselves an opportunity to realize potential dreams and aspirations. Failure gives a person an opportunity to reflect on what went wrong and what must be done to achieve goals and objectives.

In other words, failure is a learning experience; it is a time to gain a new perspective on how to win and achieve.

We live in a society where there is an over emphasis on winning. College football coaches are fired within a year of their contacts, professional basketball and hockey coaches are fired within weeks of the regular season.

In today’s win-at-all-cost society, failure is not an option for many high profile professional teams.

The media, in many ways, has helped create an atmosphere where there is no room for failure. Some young people believe there is no learning curve in life they believe they can achieve instant success like many of their entertainment and sports and idols.

Some turn to drugs and alcohol when they realize it takes hard work and sacrifice to succeed. Young people need to be taught that life is like an obstacle course—there are many challenges; some are simple, others are complex.

It is important to look on the bright side of life. Some of the greatest defeats have led to some of the greatest victories. It is important to find a silver lining in the mist of challenges and hardships.

During these difficult economic times, everyone needs to take solace in the fact America is experiencing some of the lowest gasoline prices in the last five years and there is a feeling of optimism the newly elected administration will find ways to effectively address the present economic crises.

Be encouraged there is a rainbow beyond the clouds. Look on the bright side of life when faced with failure and disappointment.