Experiencing Disappointment

For those who write on platforms like Medium, this feeling can be all too familiar. After pouring hours into crafting an article, it's disheartening when it fails to gain recognition. Such experiences can be demotivating and may lead us to doubt our skills and efforts. If our best isn’t enough, we might wonder why we should even bother trying in various aspects of our lives, from personal relationships to professional endeavors.

I first encountered this harsh truth at the age of 11. I aimed to enter a prestigious secondary school, which required passing two additional exams that were quite different from my regular coursework. For nearly a year, I dedicated myself to studying with a tutor and felt assured of my preparation.

When the exam results arrived, I was devastated to find I had missed passing by just one mark. The close call was painful, not only because I had worked so hard but also because it felt like all that effort had been in vain.

Shifting Perspectives

As I matured, I learned to reframe my perspective during challenging times. When self-doubt creeps in, I remind myself of the saying, “It’s not the destination, but the journey.” While we naturally desire recognition for our hard work, it's essential to acknowledge the intrinsic value of our efforts, even when recognition is lacking.

Our dedication cultivates vital skills and resilience, teaching us to persevere through setbacks. These experiences equip us with tools for future challenges, enabling personal growth. Despite my earlier exam failures, I still draw upon the skills I honed during that time.

This realization has led me to believe that striving for excellence will yield some form of reward, even if it's not what we initially envisioned. Therefore, it's crucial to keep pushing forward, especially when the odds seem stacked against us.

In those trying moments, the real lessons and achievements often emerge.

The first video titled "When Your Best Isn't Good Enough" delves into the emotions we face when our efforts don't lead to the anticipated success. It offers insights into how to navigate these feelings and keep pushing forward.

In Dr. Kevin Leman's "When Your Best Isn't Good Enough," we explore practical strategies for maintaining motivation and resilience in the face of setbacks. This video encourages a mindset shift towards valuing the process over the outcome.