SUCCESS AND FAILURE

As we work our way through life, we often find ourselves in situations that ewe perceive as success or failure. Usually, we regard the two as diametrically opposite, and our reactions to them are also quite different. Success excites us while failure depresses us.

A person of the Tao regards success and failure in a radically different way. They are not polar opposites, but more like dynamic, complementary aspects that constantly flow into one another. Success can lead to overconfidence and thus failure; failure can lead to renewed resolve and thus success.

When you look at it this way, they become different sides of the same lessons in life. A failure is a setback but not a crushing blow, because you can review an event to understand how the failure occurred, in order to not repeat the same mistake. Likewise, a success is good news but not a reason for overwhelming excitement. You can remain collected even in celebration, and extract the lesson properly. What worked? What should be reinforced or emphasized?

The Tao Today

This teaching does not mean you should suppress your emotional reactions to success and failure. That would not be the path. Your goal is to moderate the extremes. There is no suppression. There is only the skillful management of your internal states.

The Tao of Joy Every Day

~ Derek Lin