When Things Don’t Go as Planned

Disappointment hits hard—especially when we feel like we’ve let ourselves down. Whether it’s missing a goal, failing an exam, or stumbling through a presentation, we all carry those moments that leave us questioning our worth. And it’s not just in school. Sometimes, the same feeling follows us into our work or personal life, quietly whispering, “You should have done better.”

Recently, I had one of those moments. I stood in front of my classmates, heart full of excitement, a little nervous but ready. I had prepared, practiced, and hoped for the best. But things didn’t go the way I imagined. Instead of confidence, I was met with shaky words, awkward pauses, and the creeping sense that I wasn’t enough in that moment.

It hurt. And for a while, I replayed it in my head, thinking of what I should’ve said or done. But here’s what I’m slowly learning: failure doesn’t define you—what you do after does. Disappointments are part of the process, not the end of it. They’re not proof that you’re incapable—they’re reminders that you’re growing.

Accepting what happened isn’t easy, but it’s the first step toward moving forward. I’m learning to be kind to myself, to forgive the version of me who tried her best but still fell short. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about perfect performances—it’s about progress, resilience, and showing up again.