As a society, we are deeply ingrained with the notions of success and failure. From a young age, we are taught to strive for success and to avoid failure at all costs. These concepts not only apply to situations but also to individuals. We say someone is successful or a failure based on their achievements or lack thereof. However, it’s crucial to take a step back and question the impact of these labels and the significance we attach to them.

The phrase “failure is the stepping stone to success” suggests that challenges and setbacks are integral to achieving success. But what does success really mean? Often, it is seen as the opposite of failure, a state of accomplishment, prosperity, or fame. Conversely, failure is viewed as falling short of expectations, underachieving, or experiencing a negative outcome. These labels extend beyond situations and permeate into how we perceive individuals. We might hear phrases such as “he is a successful entrepreneur” or “she is a failed artist,” attaching these judgments to a person’s identity.

Consider the term “failed entrepreneur.” What does it truly signify? Does it mean that an individual attempted an entrepreneurial endeavor that did not yield the expected results? Or does it reduce the person to a mere outcome, disregarding their efforts and learnings along the way? Too often, we define individuals based on the outcomes of their endeavors, failing to appreciate the journey, the resilience, and the knowledge gained through the process.

This outlook becomes even more concerning when it affects the way we guide the younger generation. A teenager stating, “if I don’t get into IIT, I am a failure,” exemplifies the immense pressure and rigid definitions of success that children and young adults are confronted with. The notion that an outcome, such as entrance into a prestigious university, can categorize someone as a success or failure is not only limiting but also detrimental to their mental well-being.

Furthermore, this perspective on success and failure creates a dichotomy that dictates how we acknowledge and celebrate achievements. While we glorify success, we often struggle to accept and openly discuss failures. We send conflicting messages, urging individuals to embrace failure as a part of the learning process, while simultaneously stigmatizing it. This duality leaves individuals, both young and old, confused and apprehensive about their experiences, hindering their growth and development.

It’s time to challenge the conventional definitions of success and failure. Instead of perpetuating a mindset based on narrowly defined outcomes, we should shift our focus to the process and the intrinsic value of experiences. Success and failure should not be determined solely by external recognition or predefined benchmarks. Each experience, whether it meets our expectations or not, holds inherent value and contributes to our growth and development as individuals.

We must reconsider the language we use and the values we uphold when discussing success and failure. Rather than labeling individuals based on their outcomes, we should honor their perseverance, resilience, and the lessons they have learned. Embracing a more holistic view of success, one that appreciates the journey and the process, allows individuals to cultivate a healthier and more nuanced understanding of their experiences.

It is time to liberate ourselves from the burden of unrealistic expectations and unyielding definitions of success and failure. Let us encourage a reevaluation of our language and values, fostering an environment that celebrates growth, resilience, and the unique path each individual traverses. It is time to redefine success and failure as integral parts of a journey, rather than rigid judgments that overshadow the rich tapestry of human experience.