9 Ways to Get Rid of the Feeling of Failure

Have you ever looked in the mirror and thought, "Damn, I haven’t achieved anything"? If so, welcome to the club. We’ve all felt this way at some point.

Have you ever looked in the mirror and thought, "Damn, I haven’t achieved anything"? If so, welcome to the club. We’ve all felt this way at some point. Even those who seem to have a perfect life sometimes doubt themselves. The problem isn’t that you haven’t accomplished anything—it’s how you evaluate your own successes. Here’s what you can do to get rid of this feeling.

Do Something Nice for Yourself

When self-criticism takes over, it’s easy to get stuck in negative thoughts. In these moments, it’s crucial to take a break and care for yourself. Forget about the things that are bringing you down and do something that brings you joy. Play your favorite video game for half an hour, enjoy a good cup of coffee, or take a walk while listening to music. Small actions like these can help you reset and regain a sense of control.

Identify Where This Feeling Comes From

The feeling of failure rarely appears out of nowhere. Maybe you were scrolling through social media and saw an old classmate showing off his Porsche, or your ex posting vacation photos from Bali. Or perhaps someone made a critical remark that got stuck in your head. Instead of drowning in negativity, try to figure out what triggered these emotions. Often, they stem from external influences that have nothing to do with your actual worth.

Acknowledge Your Achievements and Celebrate Progress

One of the biggest issues people face when they feel like failures is that they don’t recognize their own achievements. Have you really forgotten everything you’ve accomplished? Think about where you were a year ago, three years ago, five years ago. Keep a list of your successes—even the small ones. Did you complete a difficult project? Fix something at home on your own? Stick to your gym routine despite feeling exhausted? Every step forward counts.

Rethink Your Definition of Success

Are you sure you’re measuring success correctly? Maybe you’re chasing goals that aren’t truly yours. Some people dream of wealth, others of freedom, and others of a happy family. If success, in your mind, is only about luxury cars and millions in the bank, but you’re actually content with your life, then you may be putting unnecessary pressure on yourself.

Try Something New

If you feel like you’re stuck, change direction. Learn a new skill, explore a new hobby, meet new people. If you keep doing the same thing but expect different results, you’re trapping yourself in a cycle. Step out of your comfort zone, and you might discover new opportunities.

Stop Expecting Immediate Results

Have you been going to the gym for a week and still don’t have a six-pack? Have you written a few pages of a book but aren’t a bestselling author yet? Welcome to the real world. Big achievements take time. Stop expecting instant success, and instead, focus on the process rather than just the final outcome.

Free Yourself from Perfectionism

You can be incredibly talented and hardworking, but if perfectionism prevents you from accepting mistakes, it will only hold you back. In the real world, there are no perfect conditions, no perfect people, and no perfect successes. Allow yourself to make mistakes and keep moving forward.

Stop Relying on Others’ Opinions

Are you living your life for yourself or trying to impress others? If you’re constantly comparing yourself to what others expect of you, you’re heading down a pointless road. People will always have something to say, judge, and criticize, but that doesn’t mean their opinions define you. The moment you stop caring about what others think, you’ll feel true freedom.

Talk to People Who Appreciate You

When you feel like you haven’t achieved anything, ask your loved ones what they think of you. We are often too harsh on ourselves and fail to see our own strengths. The people who care about you can remind you of your achievements and qualities. Sometimes, just hearing that you matter is enough to restore your confidence.