How to Stop Feeling Like a Failure

Co-authored by Catherine Boswell, PhD

Last Updated: February 2, 2023 Fact Checked

Negative Thought Elimination

|

Effective Distractions

|

Lifestyle Changes

|

Expert Q&A

Feeling like a constant failure can negatively affect your health and well-being. However, stopping such thoughts doesn't mean you have to all of a sudden start succeeding at everything. Instead you can learn to master your thoughts. Stop feeling like a failure by getting rid of negative thoughts, changing your focus, and taking action to improve your physical and mental health. ^{[1]
X
Expert Source

Lauren Krasny
Executive, Strategic, & Personal Coach

Expert Interview. 27 March 2020.}

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Negative Thought Elimination

1
Figure out the source of your feelings. ^{[2]
X
Expert Source

Lauren Krasny
Executive, Strategic, & Personal Coach

Expert Interview. 27 March 2020.} Spend some time thinking about why you feel like a failure, and try to be as specific as possible. For example, you may feel like a failure because you got a D on a test, or because you forgot to return a friend’s phone call. Determine if you can take action to change your feelings.
- Also, think about the reality of that narrative—does it really reflect who you are right now? ^{[3]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Catherine Boswell, PhD
  Licensed Psychologist
  
  Expert Interview. 18 December 2020.}
2
Find one action you can take in the next three minutes. Sometimes, thoughts of failure pop up because you feel overwhelmed by a specific task. You might be looking at a mountain of work that seems impossible. You can't figure out how you'll tackle it. One strategy is to figure out one thing you can do within the next three minutes to take action. Then, do it.
- For example, your room hasn't been cleaned in weeks and it's a complete mess. Figure out one action you can take, such as picking up dirty clothes from the floor. As soon as you figure out an action, get started.
- Start with small actions and build up to larger ones. Action creates emotion, so trying something positive can help you feel better. ^{[4]
  X
  Research source}
3
Throw your negative thoughts in the trash. Write down the negative thoughts you're having on a sheet of paper. Be very specific by noting exactly what's going through your mind. Once you're done writing, ball up the sheet of paper and toss it in the trash. ^{[5]
X
Trustworthy Source
Association for Psychological Science
Nonprofit organization devoted promoting trustworthy research and education in the psychological sciences
Go to source}
- This exercise helps you release the hold negative thoughts have on you. Putting thoughts down in words helps you see them more objectively and allows you to detach from them.
4
Tell yourself to stop. Let the word “stop” come into your brain when the negative thoughts begin to creep in. Do not allow yourself to complete the thought, as doing so means the thoughts win. Instead, tell yourself to “stop” and then distract yourself with something else. ^{[6]
X
Trustworthy Source
Johns Hopkins Medicine
Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital
Go to source}
- You may feel like you have to tell yourself to “stop” all of the time. But eventually, it will become less and less.
- Distract yourself with something to avoid the negative thoughts, such as doing a crossword puzzle, listening to music, or making a meal.
5
Shift your thoughts in a positive direction. It’s easy to beat yourself up when you feel like you messed up. Negative thoughts might enter your mind and add fuel to the fire of what you already believe about yourself. Reframe these negative thoughts by making them more positive and realistic.
- For instance, instead of saying “I always get this problem wrong,” you could say, “In the past, I’ve been wrong about this.” Changing “always” to “in the past” gives you the potential for growth and change in your mind. Your next attempt may result in a different outcome.
- Try matching every event or thought that makes you feel like a failure with an equally valid time when you were a success. ^{[7]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Catherine Boswell, PhD
  Licensed Psychologist
  
  Expert Interview. 18 December 2020.}
6
Change the word “failure” into “mistake.” Tell yourself that you’ve made a mistake instead of a failure. The word “mistake” sounds less permanent and harsh than “failure.” Looking at it this way may help you feel better about the situation. Plus, when you use the word "mistake," you can look for a learning opportunity. ^{[8]
X
Expert Source

Lauren Krasny
Executive, Strategic, & Personal Coach

Expert Interview. 27 March 2020.}
- Making a mistake also gives you a chance to grow. You can learn from what you did and use it as a chance to give yourself more information for next time.
7
Focus on the bigger picture. Everyone has things in their life that they want to improve. However, you end up feeling like a failure because you are overlooking the bigger picture and getting caught up on the little details. Take a step back and look at the overall picture. Is your life really that bad? Or, are you caught up on small details? Take a step back so you can put things in perspective. ^{[9]
X
Research source}
- For instance, you might find yourself obsessing that your crush didn't say "hi" or worrying about your unfinished to-do list. Allowing these small things to nag at you can make you feel bad. But, they aren’t important enough to allow that to happen.
- To help you gain perspective, you may want to watch videos of space or go the highest point in your town and look at the vast expanse before you. You will see how small you are, and how small your problems are, in comparison.
8
Change your definition of success. ^{[10]
X
Expert Source

Lauren Krasny
Executive, Strategic, & Personal Coach

Expert Interview. 27 March 2020.} You may want to rethink what you believe to be success if you’re still hanging onto the beliefs you made as a child. Striving to be rich or have what you believe to be the perfect family may not be something that is achievable for you right now. Create a new definition of success and you may feel better about yourself. ^{[11]
X
Research source}
- Sit down and make a list of what you believe defines success. Don’t just focus on material things. Concentrate on personality traits and characteristics of that nature. Now, ask yourself if this list is realistic.
- If it's not, try to revise your definition with traits and strengths you have right now. For example, if you are going to school or have a job, that's a form of success. If you are healthy, have a roof over your head, and have people that love you, that's success, too.
- If you need to, ask other people about your strengths and successes! Then, write them down so you can look over them when you're feeling bad about yourself. ^{[12]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Catherine Boswell, PhD
  Licensed Psychologist
  
  Expert Interview. 18 December 2020.}
Advertisement

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Effective Distractions

1
Call or visit someone who can take your mind off things. A good friend or family member can help you change your focus when thoughts of failure come up. Choose someone who is light-hearted and can make you laugh or smile.
- You might call or drop by and say, "I'm in a funk. Can you help cheer me up?"
- You may even be able to take your mind off your own problems by helping this person with something. See if they could use your help with something. ^{[13]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  PubMed Central
  Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
  Go to source}
2
Practice visualization. A great distraction technique is visualizing the order of something. This can help take your mind off thoughts of failure, and improve your mood. ^{[14]
X
Trustworthy Source
HelpGuide
Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources.
Go to source}
- For example, close your eyes and imagine you are in the grocery store. Think of one specific aisle and visualize the different items on the shelves.
- You can also picture a place that you enjoy, such as a beach. Close your eyes and visualize feeling the wind on our skin and hearing the sounds of the waves as vividly as you can.
- You can also try this trick with songs on an album or with the order that items are placed in your bedroom.
3
Have a warm treat. Negative thoughts can make you feel cold and lonely inside. Comfort yourself with something warm. Sipping hot tea or taking a hot shower or bath may help to warm you up emotionally. ^{[15]
X
Research source}
- Take your treat to the next level by choosing exotic teas or by adding scents to your bath.
4
Get lost in a positive activity. One way to overcome feelings of failure is by doing something. You'll naturally feel less negative when you exercise your brain and get in the flow of an interesting activity. ^{[16]
X
Research source}
- Distract yourself with activities such as exercising, gardening, reading, watching a movie, making a to-do list, or practicing a sport.
Advertisement

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Lifestyle Changes

1
Make healthy choices. Negative thoughts can influence your health and wellness for the worse. They also impact your immune system, making it more likely that you'll get sick. A self-defeating attitude can even cause you to make poor lifestyle choices like skipping workouts or binge-eating junk food. ^{[17]
X
Research source}
- You can counteract these negative effects by making healthy choices for your physical health. Try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise on most days of the week. Eat nutritious foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean sources of protein, and low-fat dairy. Get enough rest each night--aim for 7 to 9 hours.
Negative thinking can tempt you to turn to drugs and alcohol. These substances may temporarily numb painful feelings, but they only make the problem worse in the end. Avoid them in favor of relaxation exercises and self-care activities. ^{[18]
X
Research source}
3
Ask for support from loved ones. Having low self-esteem can even harm your relationships. You may put your negativity off on the other person, blaming them for the way you feel. Counteract this problem by communicating with those closest to you and letting them know what you need.
- Telling them may help them understand that you are the one with the issue, not them. For instance, you might say, "I know I get down on myself sometimes. I really appreciate you trying to cheer me up. I need someone positive in my life like you right now." ^{[19]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  PubMed Central
  Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
  Go to source}
- Avoid isolating yourself, as it can make things worse.
4
Practice self-care. Do something positive for yourself once a day. Focusing on a task that makes you feel good can break up those awful thoughts. You can use that time to boost yourself up instead of tearing yourself down. ^{[20]
X
Research source}
- You may be burning yourself out with activities that you do not care for. If you find yourself getting irritated easily, it's a sign of possible burn out.
- Go for a walk, meditate, read a book, hit the gym, or do whatever makes you happy. Purposefully doing nice things for yourself may make you feel like less of a failure.
5
Seek help if a mental illness is the cause. Depression and anxiety can cause you to feel like a failure even when there isn’t any real reason behind it. Visit a doctor or psychiatrist if you feel that this could be the cause.
- If you constantly feel bogged down by an overwhelming feeling of failure, you could be suffering from depression. Other signs include feeling tired all the time, worthless, unmotivated, and suicidal. Talking to a therapist or taking medication may help you overcome these feelings of failure.
- If you cannot talk about your problems or the way you feel to your parents, there are your school counselors, Or your friends. Trust me. I feel this way all the time so I hangout with my friends! It really helps!!
Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

How can I find a mentor to help me in life?

Lauren Krasny
Executive, Strategic, & Personal Coach
Lauren Krasny is a Leadership and Executive Coach and the Founder of Reignite Coaching, her professional and personal coaching service based in the San Francisco Bay Area. She also currently coaches for the LEAD Program at Stanford University Graduate School of Business and is a former Digital Health Coach for Omada Health and Modern Health. Lauren received her coaching training from the Coach Training Institute (CTI). She holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Michigan.

Lauren Krasny

Executive, Strategic, & Personal Coach

Expert Answer

I recommend thinking strategically about who would be best positioned to be your mentor. Give careful thought to every facet of why a person might be an appropriate mentor for you. When you approach that potential mentor, validate to them why their advice and guidance would be valuable and show appreciation for any help they agree to provide.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 2
Question

How can I take better care of my mental health at work?

Lauren Krasny
Executive, Strategic, & Personal Coach
Lauren Krasny is a Leadership and Executive Coach and the Founder of Reignite Coaching, her professional and personal coaching service based in the San Francisco Bay Area. She also currently coaches for the LEAD Program at Stanford University Graduate School of Business and is a former Digital Health Coach for Omada Health and Modern Health. Lauren received her coaching training from the Coach Training Institute (CTI). She holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Michigan.

Lauren Krasny

Executive, Strategic, & Personal Coach

Expert Answer

I really encourage people to focus on practicing mindfulness and maintaining perspective. When something feels stressful, rate the stress on a scale of 1 to 10 and ask yourself how you may feel about it a week from now. Sometimes that can help you maintain perspective and gain a more positive outlook on the situation.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 1
Question

How do I feel more confident about myself?

Catherine Boswell, PhD
Licensed Psychologist
Dr. Catherine Boswell is a Licensed Psychologist and a Co-Founder of Psynergy Psychological Associates, a private therapy practice based in Houston, Texas. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Boswell specializes in treating individuals, groups, couples, and families struggling with trauma, relationships, grief, and chronic pain. She holds a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Houston. Dr. Bowell has taught courses to Master’s level students at the University of Houston. She is also an author, speaker, and coach.

Catherine Boswell, PhD

Licensed Psychologist

Expert Answer

First, pay attention to the storyline or narrative that makes you feel like a failure. Then, reality-check that narrative: is it really about who you are here-and-now, or is it an old and potentially inaccurate story?

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 1

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

You Might Also Like

[1]

Expert Source

Lauren Krasny
Executive, Strategic, & Personal Coach

[2]

[3]

Catherine Boswell, PhD
Licensed Psychologist

[4]

[5]

Go to source

[6]

[7]

[8]

[9]

[10]

[11]

[12]

[13]

[14]

[15]

[16]

[17]

[18]

[19]

[20]

How to Stop Feeling Like a Failure

Steps

Negative Thought Elimination

Effective Distractions

Lifestyle Changes

Expert Q&A

You Might Also Like

References

About this article

Did this article help you?

You Might Also Like

Explore Categories