From Grand “Failures”
to Great Victories W
e all know the age-old quote, “When one door closes, another opens.” What most don’t know is the other half of this famous quote by Alexander Graham Bell. “But we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us.” The first half of this quote is meant to be aspirational, but the second half hints at the reality of how we often face failure. Nobody likes to fail. It is in our nature to aim higher and bigger, searching for greater things. When the door is slammed in our face, it can be difficult to see opportunity in the wood grain. So how do we make a conscious shift towards feeling more empowered and aligned with success?
By Nikita Yefimova
Page 12
The problem is not in the failure itself, it is the defeat that we experience as a result of it that makes success seem unattainable. When you shift from getting defeated by failure to learning how to manage it, you step deeper into your potential. In my practice I utilize four essential components for sustainable success management: integrate the neuroscience of success with mindfulness, practice engaging in strength, develop Growth Mindset, have a mentor and/or a network of support. There is a biological phenomenon called the “winner effect” that links the feel-good hormone dopamine to winning. In nature when an animal wins a fight against weaker opponents, its nervous system produces a large release of dopamine. A few victories over time change their brain structure and chemical makeup making them more confident and thus more likely to win against stronger opponents. This applies to the human
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brain as well. According to a cognitive scientist Ian Robertson,“Winning increases the dopamine receptors in the brain, which makes you smarter and more bold. Success and failure shape us more powerfully than genetics and drugs.” In a sense, a little success produces more success. When you accomplish small tasks throughout the day, you experience a steady release of dopamine. Experiencing these successive dopamine infusions creates a positive feedback loop resulting in a steady flow of dopamine that helps get things done. Consistency trains your brain to attach a dopamine burst to the task you want as a reward. Breaking a big goal into smaller ones and setting realistic timelines will assist in rewiring your brain for success. How does mindfulness play in to this? Mindfulness, essentially is awareness that arises through the intention to be in the present moment. The question I often offer to my clients and ask myself is, “What
