A step by step tool for top achievers

Confusing Failing with Failure

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Page 86 of 175
When people fail in any particular event, most get so disheartened that they start looking
at themselves as failures, not realizing that failing does not equal failure. I might have
failed but I am not a failure. I may be fooled but I am not a fool.
Unrealistic Expectations of Perfection by Parents, Teachers and Supervisors
Suppose a child comes home with a report card with five As and one B. Usually the first
thing his parents will say is, "Why the B?" What do you think will go through the child's
mind? Did he try for the B? Or should his parents congratulate the child for the B and
accept a lower standard? Not at all.
What the child is really looking for is acknowledgement and encouragement for the effort
in getting the five A's. A parent, after acknowledging and praising the As, can make clear
his expectations of seeing all six A's and offer help if needed. If we lower our standards,
the chances are pretty good that the performance next time would drop to those
expectations.
Similarly at work, an employee does 100 things right and one thing wrong. Guess what
the boss picks on. Acknowledge the positive but don't lower your standards.