"Do not allow yourselves to be disheartened by any failure as long as you have done your best."

So, here’s the deal with this quote. It's all about not getting down on yourself when things don’t go as planned, especially if you’ve given it everything you’ve got. It’s a reminder that failure isn’t the end of the world; it’s just part of the process when you’re pushing yourself.

Historically, this kind of advice has been doled out by parents, coaches, teachers—pretty much anyone who’s seen people struggle and wants to offer a bit of wisdom. It’s likely the kind of thing you’d hear after a tough loss in a sports game or a disappointing grade on a test. The point is to encourage resilience and perseverance.

Let’s dive into a real-life example. Imagine you're training for a marathon. You’ve been running five days a week, eating all the right foods, even giving up your beloved Friday night pizza binge. Come marathon day, you get a cramp at mile 18 and have to walk the last eight miles. You feel like you’ve failed. But here’s the kicker: you completed a marathon. That’s no small feat. You did your very best, and even though the outcome wasn't what you hoped for, you’ve already achieved something amazing just by trying and finishing.

Now, how do you apply this wisdom in everyday life? First, let’s get comfortable with the idea that failing doesn’t mean you’re a failure. It just means you’re learning. When you’ve put in the effort and things don’t pan out, take a moment to acknowledge the work you’ve done. Reflect on what could be improved, if anything, but give yourself credit for the effort. It’s easy to overlook that part.

Here’s a quick tip: keep a journal. Not just any journal, but one where you jot down your efforts and how you feel about your progress. When you hit a snag, go back and read about all the times you did your best and succeeded, or learned something valuable from the experience. It’s a great way to remind yourself that, hey, you’ve got this.

Let me tell you a relatable story. Think about Sarah—she’s just started a new job and she’s eager to impress. She puts her heart into a big project, working late nights and skipping weekend plans. Presentation day comes, and her boss isn’t thrilled with the outcome. Sarah’s crushed. She feels like all her hard work was for nothing. But then, a colleague points out how much she learned through the process: new software, better time management, even public speaking skills. Sarah realizes that while the project didn’t hit the mark, she’s grown tremendously. She’s not disheartened anymore because she knows she did her best.

So, the next time you’re face-to-face with a setback, remember Sarah. Remember the marathon. The journey and the effort are what count. Failures are just stepping stones, not stop signs. Keep moving forward—you’re doing great.