Is it true that 'you become stronger with every failure'? - 3 gifts hidden within setbacks
Hello everyone, it's Yoshi, the Flipper President!
I've hit a huge wall...
I'm not getting the results I want...
I might be at my limit...
Have you ever experienced feelings like these?
Today is Thursday, 'Break Thursday'. On this day, we take a little break from techniques and training to relax.
Moreover, today is a 'break (rest)' and 'breakthrough (breakthrough)' to think about in life, a Super Break Thursday! Nice!
By reading this article, you will...
Gain the courage to accept setbacks without fear!
Learn concrete ways to turn failure into fuel for growth!
Acquire a mindset that turns 'walls' into 'doors'!
The theme this time is about the entity that became the greatest teacher in my life.
Its name is...Setback.
This strict teacher, whom everyone wants to avoid, actually holds the key to opening the door to growth. The moment of 'heartbreak' when your heart feels crushed might actually be the biggest chance for a 'breakthrough' in your life.
3 turning points in life that setbacks taught me
1. The moment I learned the true meaning of 'persistence'
'Persistence pays off'
You must have heard this phrase many times. But what is the essence of 'persistence'?
During my graduate school days at the National Institute of Fitness and Sports in Kanoya, I was continuing finswimming all by myself. There was no one to teach me. There were no training partners. All that echoed by the poolside was the sound of cutting through the water and my own breathing.
In that loneliness, I was desperate just to 'keep going'.
However, one day, I hit a huge wall. My records weren't improving. I had no motivation. 'Is there any point in continuing like this...'
Amidst such hesitation, I suddenly realized something.
'Continuing' and 'continuing to grow' are completely different
Simply repeating the same content calmly will eventually lead to a limit. True continuity means constantly re-examining yourself and making changes and improvements, even if only little by little.
From this realization, I began days of reviewing my practice content, thinking for myself, and trial and error. Later, even in a lonely environment, I was able to grow to the point of breaking the Japanese record, thanks to this teacher called 'setback'.
2. The true strength that 'failure' taught me
2013, Japan Championships. The annual Japan national team selection meet.
I lost the spot on the Japan national team that I had defended for three consecutive years. The moment I received the bronze medal for third place on the podium, what spread in my chest was not frustration, but self-loathing.
Looking back, I was arrogant before that. I think I was drowning in the title of 'Japan national team member' and unconsciously repeating the excuse that 'I am a representative athlete'.
Closing ceremony. The athletes selected for the Japan national team lined up by the poolside, each holding a microphone, chatting and smiling while talking about their enthusiasm for the tournament. The venue was wrapped in loud applause, and I just watched from the spectator seats.
At that time, I took out my smartphone and secretly took a group photo of the Japan national team members, without me in it, from the edge of the spectator seats. And I set it as my wallpaper.
'Do not run away from this pain'
'Do not look away from this reality'
What that 'loss' taught me was what true strength is. Titles are not it, but 'daily accumulation' is the foundation that supports you. And that all results are your own responsibility.
And because of this setback, my approach to practice changed dramatically thereafter. At the following year's Japan Championships, I set new Japanese records in all events: 200m, 400m, and 800m. Moreover, I was able to leap forward to the point of receiving the Best Athlete Award for two consecutive years.
The failure at this time gave me a lesson that is not in textbooks and that I will never forget for the rest of my life.
3. A new path guided by 'pain'
In 2021, the pain in my left foot finally reached its limit, and the doctor declared, 'surgery is the only option'.
'I may never be able to swim with fins again'
A sudden end to a 20-year athletic career. The feeling of despair when faced with that reality is indescribable. Every day I went to the pool, hoping 'how will it be today' every time I entered the water, only to be hit by intense pain after swimming just a few meters, forcing me to interrupt practice and change clothes.
In the midst of this, strangely enough, that pain gave me a new perspective.
Until now, I had been too fixated on myself as an 'athlete'. But what is truly important is 'expanding the possibilities of finswimming'. That does not necessarily mean just 'me swimming'.
This realization became the trigger for me to start walking a new path as a leader and as a challenger. Now, I have more influence than when I was swimming alone, and I am able to convey the charm of finswimming to more people.
The teacher known as pain dramatically broadened my perspective and brought me the greatest breakthrough of my life.
3 secrets to making setbacks your 'ally'
I believe you, too, are facing setbacks of various sizes. They visit us not only in the world of competition, but also in work, studies, relationships... in every aspect of life.
Here, to help support you through your difficult moments, I will share the three secrets I have practiced to turn setbacks into allies.
Thoroughly explore the 'why'
When you fail, it is easy to make excuses like 'I was unlucky' or 'it was the environment's fault.' Sometimes that is necessary, too. But true growth begins with honestly exploring 'what could be the cause within myself'. It is important to find parts you can control, no matter how small the factor. At that time, the key is to 'forget your emotions'. Calmly and objectively extract only the facts.Visualize the 'next' step concretely
After a setback, just vaguely thinking 'I'll try again' won't change anything. Let's create a concrete action plan: 'I will change this part next time'. Big goals are important, but the small steps you can start tomorrow are what create real change.Keep a 'record' to return to your starting point
For better or worse, the pain of a setback fades with time. It always does. That is why, once your heart has settled, you should record your feelings and lessons from that time so you can always return to your starting point. Creating a system to motivate yourself in a visible way, like the example of my smartphone lock screen, is also effective.
You cannot overcome it alone - The surprising truth about setbacks and human relationships
When thinking about how to face setbacks, we tend to get trapped in the mindset that we 'must overcome it on our own'. However, it is also a fact that the presence of those around us has a major impact.
What is interesting is that the impact of voices from those around you changes depending on the size of the setback. From my various experiences so far, I have realized the following major differences and ways to deal with 'small setbacks and failures' versus 'major setbacks'.
'In the case of small setbacks', words of encouragement naturally gather from those around you, such as 'It's okay, try again next time!' or 'You were just having an off day.' You are often saved by those words, feel grateful that 'everyone is so kind,' and become positive.
However, in the case of 'a truly major setback', the situation changes.
Actually, imagine it. When a teammate you know well ends up with a result that becomes a major setback. For such an athlete or person, honestly, it is very difficult to know what to say, you choose your words carefully, and I think it is hard to encourage them.
Those around them also cannot say anything clumsy, and end up not reaching out at all. In times like these, surprisingly, the voices of friends and peers unrelated to the competition can resonate.
This is because teammates in the same sport understand the seriousness of the situation too well, and therefore hesitate to reach out. On the other hand, friends outside the sport, for better or worse, do not feel that seriousness as much, so they can reach out casually and offer a different perspective.
And sometimes, spending 'time away from that sport' can be the key to regaining a positive mindset.
I don't think many people can manage by thinking about it alone. I believe it is important to be aware that you are being helped by various people, to cherish various connections, and to keep in mind to help and support each other every day.
A setback is certainly a personal experience. However, on the path to overcoming it, you may realize the importance of unexpected human relationships.
Your 'breakthrough' is just around the corner
Setbacks and failures are often thought of as things that should be 'avoided'.
But in reality, those very things can become your best teachers. The moment of 'heartbreak' when your spirit feels crushed may simultaneously be the beginning of a 'breakthrough' that opens a new door.
Looking back on my life, I feel that I have learned far more from moments of setback than from moments of success.
So, the next time you hit a wall, please remember this. It may not just be an 'obstacle,' but a 'special opportunity' for you to grow.
And please, do not carry it all alone; cherish your connections with those around you. Interestingly, the people who support you may change depending on the scale of the setback. Sometimes, a casual remark from a friend unrelated to your field can strike a chord and give you the strength to move forward more than a fellow competitor could.
Faced with a major setback, everyone feels bewildered—both the person reaching out and the person being reached out to. But it is precisely at such times that human connections take on meaning. They might show you perspectives you couldn't see on your own or possibilities you hadn't noticed.
Accepting the reality that 'few people can manage everything by thinking alone,' and while being grateful for the support of various people, you also become a support for someone else. Perhaps true growth lies within that cycle.
Beyond the wall you overcome, a landscape you have yet to see surely awaits.
What kind of setbacks have you experienced, and what have you learned from them? Also, is there a wall you are currently trying to overcome? I would be happy if you could share it in the comments section. Your experience might become someone else's courage.
With that said, thank you for reading this far once again.
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See you next time!
Bye for now~
Finswimming Specialist
Flippers President Yoshihide Sekino
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