5 Things to Do When You Feel Like a Complete and Utter Failure

Today I feel like a complete and utter failure. There. I’ve said it. I have spent all day with this cloud hanging over me, with a feeling of inadequacy and failure settling in like a cold that I just can’t get rid of.

Why do I feel this way? I have been working REALLY hard over the past month–maybe too hard. I am working on an e-book that will launch on September 1, and I am excited about it. I had a self-imposed deadline of writing the five chapters this week. Want to know how many I’ve written? Um, none.

And, so I feel like a failure. Now, the logical part of me knows that I am not. But I don’t always listen to that logical part.

Can you relate? Have you ever felt like a failure? Here are a few things that might help.

5 Things to Do When You Feel Like a Failure

1. Evaluate Your Sleeping and Eating Habits

Our physical wellness can impact our emotional health, so when you feel like a failure take stock of your eating and sleeping habits. Have you gotten enough sleep lately? Have you been drinking enough water? I have stayed up too late a couple of nights this week reading good books that I just couldn’t put down. While it was really fun at the time, I’ve been paying for it for days. I guess I’m not in college anymore!

2. Remind Yourself of Your Priorities

Take a minute to remind yourself of your top priorities in life. You know, the 3-5 things that are the absolute most important in your life, the things that will matter 30 years from now. My four priorities are: faith, family, work, and personal growth. After taking a few minutes to reflect, I realize that I am doing a good job with my faith and family priorities. However, I’m letting my work take over more of my life than is healthy for me.

3. Take a Break

When we are running ourselves ragged, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and to let feelings of inadequacy come over us. At times like these, take a break to do something fun and soul-refreshing. I am going to take the rest of the night off. Earlier today I told my husband how I was feeling, and he said, “Should we have a date night?” What a wonderful man. He knew that I needed a break, and he is providing the perfect one. After the kids go to bed, we have plans for a game night. I can’t wait!

4. Make a Plan for the Next Thing

Finally, after relaxing for a bit, ask yourself, “What is the one thing that will help relieve my stress (even just a little!)?” Then do it. I am going to fill in a planner with small, flexible deadlines between now and my e-book launch date. Just seeing everything laid out on a calendar will help me know that I can reach this goal, which should help me feel less overwhelmed. And, that will help me stop feeling like a failure.

5. Pray

This is both the first and last step. It is the step that undergirds each step. By coming before God in prayer, we are reminded of who we are in Him. We are able to confess our shortcomings and sin and receive forgiveness. We are able to find strength to lead a new and righteous life. We are reminded to, “Come to me all you who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

So, now I’m off to take my own advice.  It’s time for some relaxation!

What do you do when you feel like a failure?