^{Image Source: Freepik | A woman stands in a field, looking at a picture frame, representing ways to reframe failure.}

Failure has a way of feeling final. It can knock the wind out of you, stall your progress, and leave you questioning everything. It can convince you that you’re not cut out for success. But as Dr. Ric Vandett shares in his book “Hurdles: Surviving Difficult Times”, failure is rarely the end. Often, it’s a challenge disguised as a turning point. One of the most important ways to reframe failure is to stop seeing it as a sign of defeat and start viewing it as a stepping stone to growth.

When you’re facing setbacks, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s where motivational books for overcoming difficulties can be especially valuable.

Learning from Hurdles, Not Running from Them

In the very first chapter of “Hurdles”, Vandett compares life to a 100-meter hurdle race rather than a straight dash. Every goal we chase will have barriers, some external, others internal. Many people stop when they hit the first obstacle. They assume failure means they aren’t good enough, smart enough, or strong enough. But failure often just means there’s a lesson to learn.

Failures, in this analogy, are the hurdles. And how you respond determines everything.

One of the most powerful ways to reframe failure is to see the hurdle not as a blockade, but as a moment of decision. Will you stop, or will you find a way around it?

In Vandett’s case, peer pressure, financial hardship, and even the tragic loss of his son could have left him paralyzed. Instead, he found ways to move forward even if that meant climbing over, going around, or knocking the hurdle down completely.

That said, here are five ways to reframe failure that are drawn from his stories and lessons:

1.      See Failure as Feedback, Not Final Judgment

“A hurdle in achieving a goal is allowing other people’s opinions of us to keep us from making the efforts needed to move forward.”

– (Chapter 1: Hurdles)

When Vandett was told by a school counselor that he wasn’t “college material,” he believed it. That belief delayed his journey for years. But eventually, he realized the problem wasn’t his ability. In fact, it was someone else’s opinion. One of the most transformative ways to reframe failure is to see it as feedback and not a verdict. A setback may just be showing you where you need to adjust or grow.

2.      Focus on the First Step, Not the Whole Climb

“The key point about the ladder analogy is realizing that the focus of someone who is depressed should not be on the top of the pit, but, instead, the focus should be on the bottom rung of the ladder.”

– (Chapter 2: The Pit and the Ladder)

In the chapter The Pit and the Ladder, Vandett describes depression as a deep pit. The only way out? A ladder. But instead of staring at the top, he advises finding and reaching for the first rung. This is powerful advice on how to convert failure into success—break the problem down.

What’s one thing you can do today to move forward?

3.      Stop Letting Other People Define Your Worth

“I accepted the lie that I would not succeed in college… that was an example of not getting over a hurdle.”

– (Chapter 1: Hurdles)

Too often, we give others the power to determine what we’re capable of. Vandett’s story of internalizing the counselor’s opinion and later proving him wrong is a reminder: reframing failure for success starts with reclaiming your own voice. If someone doubts you, let it drive you to grow, not give up.

4.      Let Go of Crutches That Keep You Stuck

“The fear of giving up the crutch on which someone depends is what keeps many people from healing their inner wounds.”

– (Chapter 5: Crutches)

Crutches, like bad habits or negative thinking, may help us cope short-term but can become permanent barriers. Vandett’s tragic experience with his son’s addiction highlights the danger of letting a crutch become a way of life. To reframe failure, ask: what am I leaning on that’s holding me back?

5.      Believe That Every Failure Is Just One Chapter

“Life is full of hurdles… and when facing that first hurdle, [some people] make every effort to overcome that hurdle. Some way. Somehow.”

– (Chapter 1: Hurdles)

Failure doesn’t mean your story is over. Vandett’s life included poverty, loss, divorce, and doubt. But none of those things defined him. What did? The decision to keep going. When failure happens, remind yourself: this is just a chapter, not your conclusion.

^{Image Source: Freepik | A person holds a sign that reads “Look Right,” illustrating a mindset shift.}

Ways to Reframe Failure: Final Thoughts, Are You Ready?

Failure will come. Hurdles will show up. Some will knock you down. Some will seem too high. But as Dr. Ric Vandett shows, you just have to keep moving. You’re not alone, and your struggle doesn’t define your story. Keep climbing. Keep learning. Keep living.

If you’re struggling, know that it’s okay. Your only job is to keep reaching for that next rung.

If you’re ready to rethink how you view failure and want real, honest insights on what resilience looks like, “Hurdles” is worth your time.

Grab a copy of “Hurdles: Surviving Difficult Times” today!