How To Fail – The Most Important Lesson To Teach Our Children

by Dr Emma Gray - 2nd July, 2012

Encouraging competition and achievement is the cornerstone of capitalism and the foundation upon which western societies are built and as a result our fear of failure is frequently the biggest obstacle that we face when embarking upon new challenges. However, every psychological study of enhancing success says that if you want to help people gain confidence and succeed you need to focus on their efforts, not the results and that being prepared and equipped to fail or to make mistakes is the only way that we can learn, develop and succeed as individuals. Of all the things that are taught in school, how to fail, possibly the most important lesson in life, is rarely included in the curriculum.

If you or your child are suffering with any mental health issues and would like to seek professional help then you may find our Counselling for Children & Teenagers page useful.

If you are suffering with any of the issues discussed in this article and would like to seek professional help then you may find our Child Counselling, Family Counselling and Counselling for Parents Pages helpful.

Dr Emma Gray

I am often the first person with whom my patients share significant and intimate thoughts and memories; I never take that privileged position for granted nor the opportunity to help someone to feel better about themselves and discover a more fulfilling life. One of my colleagues once described me as a natural psychologist; I guess she was alluding to the fact that I feel at ease being a therapist, I can empathise with people’s distress and discomfort but don’t feel overwhelmed by it, I can understand their problem and know how to help, it has always just felt like what I should be doing.

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