Success is what you are prepared to make of yourself every single day. That one cold morning when you want to roll over but instead get up and go to workout, is a defining moment. Success boosts self-confidence and is self perpetuating. We all know it, thrive on it and love it.

Failure on the other hand is perceived as a stressful, negative experience. It means challenge, difficulties, not knowing or worst of all defeat. It affects our self-esteem negatively, builds upon itself and could become a pattern. It could mean a threat to our survival. So we have an aversion to it. We dislike failure.

Well, did you know that failure like stress is actually good for you? Out of the trial and error, the grueling and rigorous demands of trying and failing we humans learned what worked to survive.

Failure is something we as humans need to encounter for new growth and creative changes - uprisings. Failure causes us to reassess, reevaluate, and start again. Out of necessity we learn to take risks, and think "outside the box". Failure is the fertile soil from which seeds burst and blossom. Failure challenges our will to survive.

Did you know that no stress is absolutely the worst of all stressors. Stress is like body temperature: if it's too low or too high, you can't survive, but the right balance can keep you going strong. It makes sense to use stress energy positively, to meet life's challenges. Stress is not all bad. Yes, you may fail. This is life. Life's winners accept that in trying they may have to adjust and even start again and again. The difference between successful people and others is not whether you make mistakes or even temporarily fail, but how you respond.

So how does this apply to your workouts? Expect more of yourself. Set higher standards! This sets you up for failure. Of course you can't reach that next higher level immediately. You'll keep trying and failing until you do. In the meantime when you don't meet them, ask yourself did I try my best? Did I give it my all? If your answer is yes then, yes you failed and you yes you failed successfully! Now you'll be a step closer to that new fitness level. You'll get healthier and fitter and at the same time toughen yourself psychologically and emotionally to handle the dreaded Failure.

DEBORAH is a highly respected authority in personal training for overall health and fitness, with more than 22 years of experience and success. Her credentials include...

Currently licensed Registered Nurse specializing in Rehabilitative Nursing Medical Exercise Therapist: certified by AAHFRP, an internationally recognized physical rehabilitation certification Maternity Specialist Pre & Post Natal certified by Maternal Fitness Personal Fitness Specialist: certified by NASM, an internationally recognized certification Yoga Teacher Professional Health Member, National Organization of Fitness Instructors (IDEA), a leading membership organization of health and fitness professionals Deborah Caruana RN, MES, CPT. CALL 212-677-3185 EMAIL deb@vitalsignsfitness.com WEB http://www.vitalsignsfitness.com