Failure: Understanding, Coping, and Rising Again

 

यदृच्छालाभसंतुष्टो द्वन्द्वातीतो विमत्सरः।
समः सिद्धावसिद्धौ च कृत्वापि न निबध्यते

He who is satisfied with gain which comes of its own accord, who is free from duality and does not envy, who is indifferent in both success & Failure, is never entangled ( bandan of karma), although performing actions

Failure is a word that can invoke fear and disappointment, but it is also a powerful teacher and a catalyst for growth. Throughout history, failure has shaped many of the world’s greatest achievements. In India, stories of failure and subsequent success are woven into the fabric of our culture, from the world of business and sports to the battlefield and historical events. This blog will explore what failure means, why it happens, how to detect it early, its mental and emotional effects, and ways to bounce back—drawing from Indian history, business, sports, and military examples.

 

What is Failure?

Failure is the inability to meet a desired goal or standard, whether personal or societal. It is often seen as a setback, but in reality, it offers a valuable learning experience and an opportunity for growth. From the defeat of Indian forces in historical battles to losses on the cricket field, or setbacks in business, failure has been a stepping stone to greater achievements.

Why Do We Fail?

Failure can occur for various reasons:

1. Lack of Preparation:

   • Failure often stems from inadequate preparation. A historical example is the First War of Independence in 1857, which failed partly due to a lack of coordination among the various Indian factions. Despite the bravery of leaders like , Nana Saheb, Kunwar Singh, Rani Lakshmi Bai and Tatya Tope, the uprising lacked a unified strategy, leading to defeat against the British.

2. Overconfidence or Underestimation:

   • Overconfidence can result in complacency, while underestimating the challenges can lead to inadequate planning. The Indian Army's initial setbacks during the 1962 Sino-Indian War were partly due to underestimating the preparedness and strategy of the Chinese forces, highlighting the risks of misjudgment.

3. External Factors:

   • Sometimes, external circumstances contribute to failure. In business, the collapse of Kingfisher Airlines was not only due to internal mismanagement and arrogance, but also external factors such as rising fuel prices and regulatory challenges.

4. Lack of Clarity or Vision:

   • Without a clear vision, failure is inevitable. The fall of the Mughal Empire can be attributed to a lack of clarity in leadership and vision after the reign of Aurangzeb, leading to fragmentation and vulnerability to external invasions. While the Marathas had great clarity and simple Vision - "Hindvi Swarajya" 

5. Fear of Failure:

   • Ironically, the fear of failing can paralyze decision-making and limit risk-taking. In sports, Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar experienced several failures early in his career, but he overcame the fear of failure through perseverance and a relentless focus on improvement.

Symptoms that Might Help Us Detect Failure

Recognizing early signs of potential failure allows for timely intervention and course correction. Here are some symptoms to watch out for:

1. Lack of Progress:

   • When progress stalls or goals remain unmet, it’s a clear sign that something is wrong. For instance, during India’s freedom struggle, the initial non-cooperation movement faced setbacks when it failed to achieve immediate results, prompting leaders to rethink strategies and adopt new approaches like civil disobedience.

2. Low Morale:

   • Low morale within a team or organization is a significant red flag. For example, in the Indian military, morale dipped after early setbacks in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, prompting a strategic overhaul that eventually led to a more robust and coordinated approach in future conflicts. Same happened in Assam when Field Marshal Samekshaw was posted there , and the first thing he did was boosted the morale of the troops who asked to retreat by GOI. 

3. Conflict and Miscommunication:

   • Frequent conflicts, miscommunication, or a lack of alignment indicate dysfunction. The Quit India Movement of 1942 faced challenges due to miscommunication and differing opinions among leaders, impacting its initial effectiveness.

4. Resistance to Change:

   • Resistance to change can be a sign of impending failure. In the 1990s, many Indian businesses resisted liberalization, fearing global competition. However, those that adapted and embraced change, like Infosys and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), thrived in the new environment.

5. Negative Feedback Loop:

   • Continuous negative feedback from customers, stakeholders, or team members suggests something needs to be addressed. The Swadeshi Movement during India’s freedom struggle adapted its tactics in response to feedback from the masses, ultimately becoming more effective.

Mental and Emotional Effects of Failure

Failure can have profound mental and emotional effects:

1. Disappointment and Frustration:

   • Failure often brings disappointment, as seen when Indian revolutionaries like Bhagat Singh faced setbacks in their fight against British rule. However, they turned their frustration into fuel for the cause, inspiring future generations.

2. Self-Doubt:

   • Failure can lead to self-doubt and questioning of one’s abilities. Indian business tycoon Shri. Dhirubhai Ambani faced numerous setbacks in building Reliance Industries, but instead of doubting himself, he learned from every failure and emerged stronger.

3. Fear and Anxiety:

   • Fear of future failures can cause anxiety and inhibit risk-taking. After losing several crucial cricket matches, India’s captain Sourav Ganguly focused on building mental toughness, which helped the team overcome anxiety and regain confidence.

4. Depression and Isolation:

   • In extreme cases, failure can lead to depression and a sense of isolation. Mahatma Gandhi faced severe criticism and moments of self-doubt after the failure of the Non-Cooperation Movement but found solace in self-reflection, leading to a renewed strategy for India's independence.

5. Loss of Motivation:

   • Repeated failures can drain energy and motivation. The Marathas faced several defeats during their battles with the Mughals, but they remained motivated by their vision of "Hindvi Swaraj", eventually achieving their goal. Same with Maharana Pratap who after the defeat at "Haldighati" he went to the jungles and made an army of 50,000 BHILS with the wealth gifted by a Jain named Jagat Seth Bhamasha and recaptured Mewad after the battel of Dewair. 

How Can We Bounce Back from Failure?

Recovering from failure involves resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to learn. Here are some ways to bounce back:

1. Acceptance and Reflection:

   • Accept failure as a part of the journey. Reflect on what went wrong and what could have been done differently. After the loss of Kohinoor Diamond to the British, India did not dwell on the loss but focused on rebuilding and reclaiming its cultural heritage.

2. Learn from Mistakes:

   • Learn from mistakes to avoid repeating them. The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) faced multiple failures before successfully launching its first satellite, Aryabhata, in 1975. Each failure taught them valuable lessons, contributing to their current success as a global space leader.

3. Seek Support and Guidance:

   • Reach out to mentors, peers, or experts for support and guidance. Shivaji Maharaj, after suffering early defeats against the Mughal Empire, sought guidance from his council of ministers and revamped his military strategies, leading to significant victories later.

4. Set Realistic Goals:

   • Set smaller, achievable goals to rebuild confidence. After the 1962 Sino-Indian War, the Indian Army set realistic objectives to modernize and strengthen its forces, which led to better preparedness and eventual victories in future conflicts.

5. Develop a Growth Mindset:

   • Cultivate a mindset that views failure as an opportunity for growth. Indian business magnate Ratan Tata turned Tata Motors’ losses into a lesson, leading the company to launch successful models like the Tata Nexon and Tigor.

6. Stay Resilient and Persistent:

   • Resilience is essential in overcoming failure. After the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, India’s freedom fighters didn’t give up; they became more determined to fight for independence, leading to the eventual end of British rule in 1947.

7. Adapt and Innovate:

   • Be open to new ideas and willing to change. Infosys overcame early failures by pivoting to global markets, innovating with a Global Delivery Model, embracing transparency, and leveraging economic liberalization, transforming into a leading global IT services company.

Conclusion

Failure is not the end; it is often the beginning of a new, more informed journey. By recognizing early signs of failure, understanding its impact, and leveraging it for growth, we can transform setbacks into comebacks. Whether in business, sports, the military, or history, the ability to learn from failure and rise again defines true success.

Failure is a lesson, not a defeat. Remember, as the great Indian leaders, entrepreneurs, and sports icons have shown us—falling is not failing; staying down is. So, when failure comes knocking, open the door, learn its lesson, and keep moving forward.

धीरे-धीरे रे मना, धीरे सब कुछ होय, माली सींचे सौ घड़ा, ऋतु आए फल होय