As most people do, I tend to take failure hard, and personally. Indeed, it is sometimes about some personal short-coming from the eyes of those who would measure me. However, it is most often about learning how to be successful. The article discusses the fact that Thomas Edison performed 9,000 experiments before finally inventing the light bulb. 9,000! Because there was no such thing as an electric light at that time, he could not have known that it was even possible. Yet, he continued to have confidence that he could create an entirely new product.
That definitely puts my job search into perspective. While I may feel as though I have sent out 9,000 applications or resumes, the reality of the matter is that the number is closer to 500 (still impressive that I could even find that many jobs to apply to). And while I still do not have a job, I have not failed entirely. With each iteration of my resume, I have improved upon it over the past 6 months by getting feedback from trusted peers and honing it down to highlight the best of my experiences. I have, in this way, succeeded in part, as I have had more interviews and calls from recruiters as my resume improved.
It also helps that the economy is improving and I've done quite a bit of work on my own professional development to make myself a stronger candidate. I'm proud of the way I have persevered despite the fact that I've been living on an extremely reduced budget, have struggled with depression and had a lifetime's worth of rejection. I have learned how to deal with living with limited funds, and found some very creative ways to make ends meet. I've continued to get up every morning, and pound the electronic pavement on the job boards nearly every single day, despite my desire to give up on several occasions. I've also learned how to deal with rejection and not take it personally. It might sting for a day or so, but I keep getting back on the horse.
I have gotten pretty good at failure, but I am using what I've learned to work towards success.
