Last updated on Apr 2, 2024

What do you do if your career goals seem unattainable after experiencing failure?

Facing failure can be a daunting experience, especially when it feels like your career goals are slipping away. It's natural to feel a sense of defeat, but it's important to remember that setbacks are a normal part of any professional journey. In the context of workplace safety, where risks are calculated and prevention is key, applying similar principles can help you navigate through career obstacles. This article will explore actionable steps you can take to reassess and realign your career trajectory after experiencing failure.

1 Reassess Goals

When your career goals seem out of reach, take a step back and reassess them. It's possible that your objectives may need adjusting. Reflect on what you've learned from your failure and consider how it can inform your future goals. This might mean setting more achievable interim targets or redefining success in a way that's more aligned with your current skills and experiences. Remember, goals should be challenging yet realistic, serving as a guide rather than a source of constant frustration.

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Anisa H. Siegel

Organizational & Leadership Development|Economic & Workforce Growth|Equity & Inclusion|Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy
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Most successful individuals have faced failures in their journey and that perseverance and determination are key for reaching your full potential. It's important to understand that challenges and setbacks are necessary for growth in one's career. Just as a baby learns to walk by taking small steps, progress in any aspect of life requires patience and consistent effort. Prioritize self-care and refocus on your goals. Take stock of your needs and knowledge, and devise a plan to achieve your goals. Remain adaptable and have a mindset for growth. Embrace failures and find humor in them, but continue pushing forward. Finally, find guidance from a mentor or accountability partner, stay dedicated to your goal, and persist until you succeed.

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2 Seek Feedback

After a setback, seeking feedback is invaluable. Reach out to mentors, colleagues, or industry professionals who can provide constructive criticism. They may offer insights you hadn't considered, helping you understand what went wrong and how to improve. This feedback can be a powerful tool for growth and development, ensuring that your next attempt is better informed and more likely to succeed.

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3 Develop Skills

If your career goals seem unattainable, it might be due to a skills gap. Identify the areas where you need improvement and invest time in developing those skills. Whether it's through formal education, online courses, or hands-on experience, enhancing your abilities can increase your confidence and make your goals more achievable. In workplace safety, for example, staying updated with the latest safety protocols and regulations is crucial for career advancement.

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4 Adjust Approach

Sometimes, a change in approach is necessary to overcome failure. Analyze the strategies you've been using and consider alternative methods. This could involve altering your problem-solving techniques, adopting new technologies, or revising your communication style. In the realm of workplace safety, a fresh perspective might reveal innovative solutions to prevent accidents or improve safety standards.

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Gail C. Figaro (MSc.), CBEP, CXAD (Dip), R.E.E.

Business Excellence Expert🔝, Multidisciplinary Professional ready to serve Governance-oriented organizations/ individuals in their vision for Success.
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Aim to determine the causal agents of the failure. When a "failure" occurs, particularly in areas we are hyperfocused on, the absence of success in such moments can seem all encompassing. Typically, that perception is inaccurate and anchored in emotion rather than in facts. Some questions to ask oneself are: 1. Was it truly a failure or merely a setback or reality check that requires you to adjust what may be unrealistic expections? 2. Was the "failure" due to a behavior, circumstance or issue that can be addressed and therefore rectified? 3. After reviewing all the facts, does the failure reveal that perhaps it is time for you to reassess your career path and pivot? Answering these questions may offer you some clarity.

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5 Build Resilience

Building resilience is key to bouncing back from career setbacks. Embrace failure as part of the learning process and use it to build mental toughness. Resilience will not only help you recover from current disappointments but also prepare you for future challenges. It's about maintaining a positive attitude and persevering despite obstacles, which is especially important in maintaining high safety standards in the workplace.

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6 Network More

Expanding your professional network can open up new opportunities and provide support when you're facing career challenges. Attend industry events, join professional associations, or engage in online forums related to workplace safety. Networking can lead to mentorship, collaboration, and even job prospects that align with your redefined career goals.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What do you do if your career goals seem unattainable after experiencing failure?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Reassess Goals

2 Seek Feedback

3 Develop Skills

4 Adjust Approach

5 Build Resilience

6 Network More

7 Here’s what else to consider

Workplace Safety

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What do you do if your career goals seem unattainable after experiencing failure?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Reassess Goals

2 Seek Feedback

3 Develop Skills

4 Adjust Approach

5 Build Resilience

6 Network More

7 Here’s what else to consider

Workplace Safety

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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