The F Word: Why Failure Is Your Friend
Women's Health South Africa|September 2018

Failure: doesn’t sound great, feels even worse. But is there a chance it could be your new secret weapon?

Alexandra Jones
The F Word: Why Failure Is Your Friend

A few years ago, in a job going nowhere fast, I decided to have a crack at a different industry. After weeks of laborious War and Peace-length applications, I was invited for an interview and tasked with giving a presentation. On e-soccer. To be clear, I’ve never owned a PlayStation or an Xbox. Nor have I ever followed a real soccer tournament. In the 180 seconds that came next, I felt as if I were perilously perched on the edge of a 15m diving board, ready to fall. Stomach churning and mind buzzing, I did the only thing I thought I could: I typed a reply politely apologising and withdrew from the process. Why? Because I was shit-scared I’d fail.

So the question is: why the terror? “Our brains have evolved to be particularly adept at zoning in on the potential negative outcomes of our actions,” says neuroscientist Dr Rick Hanson. It’s a phenomenon demonstrated in a 1998 study by Ohio State University, where researchers found that negative images prompted more electrical activity in the brain than positive ones. “Your brain is engineered to be triggered by threats, perceived or otherwise,” says Hanson. “It’s why, after glancing at faces for just a tenth of a second, participants fixated on angry or threatening ones, while barely noticing those that looked happy.” Intriguing!

Denne historien er fra September 2018-utgaven av Women's Health South Africa.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra September 2018-utgaven av Women's Health South Africa.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA WOMEN'S HEALTH SOUTH AFRICASe alt
Irreconcilable Differences?
Women's Health South Africa

Irreconcilable Differences?

You’re one-upping your partner on all health fronts and now your relationship has more tension than your new resistance bands. Here’s how to get over the hurdle of mismatched goals.

time-read
4 mins  |
July - August 2024
Hot And Bothered
Women's Health South Africa

Hot And Bothered

Inflammation is all the rage in health conversations right now and research is establishing it as a major player in all sorts of issues you don't want to deal with. But! You can safeguard yourself from the smokin' internal inferno with these smart strategies.

time-read
3 mins  |
July - August 2024
Self-esteem under the microscope
Women's Health South Africa

Self-esteem under the microscope

The term brings to mind positive-thinking memes with sunset backdrops and swirly lettering. But could I you sum up self-esteem when asked as part of a pub quiz? Didn't think so. And there's more at stake here than winning the points.

time-read
7 mins  |
July - August 2024
the reset
Women's Health South Africa

the reset

IT'S NEVER TOO LATE TO START OVER

time-read
1 min  |
July - August 2024
Mind Over Muscle
Women's Health South Africa

Mind Over Muscle

Could you level up your strength training just by putting your mind to it?

time-read
2 mins  |
July - August 2024
ON BEING THE HEROINE OF YOUR OWN LIFE
Women's Health South Africa

ON BEING THE HEROINE OF YOUR OWN LIFE

Olympian. All-African Games winner. African champion. Record-breaker. Javelin athlete Jo-Ané van Dyk talks mental fortitude and what it takes to live up to your own hype. If there's one thing she can do, it's to throw down. And it's all about to reach peak levels.

time-read
4 mins  |
July - August 2024
Why Women Are Choosing to Be Child-Free
Women's Health South Africa

Why Women Are Choosing to Be Child-Free

The choice can be liberating, yet stigmas persist. Here, how to cut through the noise with clarity and confidence to make the decision that's right for *you.*

time-read
7 mins  |
July - August 2024
FUEL YOUR SKIN
Women's Health South Africa

FUEL YOUR SKIN

Inside your body, there's a crew of unsung protein heroes that scientists believe are the key to a healthy, glowing complexion. Heads-up: your routine is about to change for the better.

time-read
5 mins  |
July - August 2024
How To Be Decisive
Women's Health South Africa

How To Be Decisive

You could use a Magic 8 ball to help you make a choice. Or, while you're waiting to 'ask again later', let our experts explain the best ways to get unstuck.

time-read
5 mins  |
July - August 2024
Build A Strong Base
Women's Health South Africa

Build A Strong Base

You heard it here: the pelvic floor is the forgotten core - and you're selling yourself short by waiting for a specific life stage to train it. Your four-move workout is here.

time-read
1 min  |
July - August 2024