Sometimes You have to Let Yourself Fail
I absolutely hate failing and losing. That's why I do not play competitive sports as I am a lousy loser. Since young, I grow up being told that I am a loser. Playing competitive sports only re-enforce that perception.
Nevertheless, we all have to let ourselves fail. Sometimes failing means we are reaching for something that is beyond our reach. It could be developing a skill, building a business or looking for a life partner. We fail is because we are not good enough. That's a form of feedback on what we need to improve.
When I started my business, I lost count on the number of failed tenders. I lost so much that I do not feel hopeful after each quote submission. I only asked myself whether I have given my best for the quote. The first few wins was euphoric, but I grow numb again. Just because I hate losing even more, I work even harder. It was only last year; I realised winning is not the final destination. Winning means I have to aim higher and work more efficient. Failing means I have to rethink about my methods.
Remember, most of the failures are not final. It is a sign that you are one step closer to that goal. Failure is a start and so is winning. So keep trying.