Nothing can ever define who you are

I have always had the mistaken belief that if I get something wrong, do something incorrectly or fail at something at the first go, then I'm bad at it. There is no other way around. I would let that mistake or failure define what I can do or where my potential lies. I would let those events and actions define who I am, what I can do and let them dictate my future.

To give a clear example, I used to have a complex with writing in high school. I didn't think I was good at it. In my mind, I was simply incompetent and since everything we think is an affirmation-to be proven, then I would have mental blocks. See I would be unable to come up with ideas when writing essays and then my marks would reflect the meagreness of my writing ability. As a result, it felt like point proven and there began the vicious circle of being stuck in writing. It was a dreadful experience, to say the least. I have since realised because of what happened, I had created a mental picture that I cannot be any good at writing. This really prevented me from enjoying writing for a long time. My regret is not to have seen the beauty of writing and view it more as a burden. I would dutifully write to fulfil my school works and I can thank my good work ethic to have helped me improve. It would take me ages to write an essay, but I would do my homework religiously. The effect of repetitive actions has immensely helped to take my writing to a next level. Also, the motivation to write better has been helpful in curbing some of the negative effects of believing at a young age that I could not be a good writer. However, during that time, even though I would get high marks, I still didn't believe in my writing ability- doubts. As I'm writing, I can attest that I have let this whole experience define part of me. I am now ready to let go of that weight. 

I wish I had been aware of how an unsuccessful event doesn't define your ability. However, I'm grateful to have come across this great lesson. Nothing ever define who you are, including anything that happen to you. You always have the power to choose.