^{From failure to success: planning to counter failure! Image Source: Stellenbosch Rugby Academy}

There is no better example than sport of how to move forward after a hard knock. From poor exam results to bad career choices, challenges no matter how big or small will tend to surprise even the most prepared of individuals. Just as the South African Springboks lost to Japan in the 2015 World Cup, they still pulled themselves back as champion contenders in world rugby, an example for individuals who need to plan their future in case they do fail...

FirstStep.me spoke to Alie Brand of Stellenbosch Rugby Academy about how aspects of sport can be used to counter failure.

1. In any sport a loss is always hard to deal with. However in some cases teams lose on a regular basis, how should teams approach a losing streak?
“The more you have to play for, the better you play” - Gilbert Enoka (NZ Mental Skills coach)
Players must understand that there are bigger games still to be played. If you develop as a person (on and off the field), you will be more successful in life.  Players must make this very  personal, in the sense that they strive for a greater course.

2. Can this same school of thought be applied to careers and education?
Yes - One must still embrace expectations. Fear something not done properly. Successful teams are those who prepare properly, and are the ones that normally win. A strong dislike of not being good enough, is healthy. Don’t be satisfied to reach your targets – go higher.  Inspiring leaders use bold, even unrealistic goals to lift their game.

3. In a build up to a big event - a world cup, high school final exams, business deadlines - failure does happen. It is a dip from a very positive build up to a fast drop - almost a sucker punch of sorts - what should be the next move of an individual after a set back like this?
You must become better all the time. Excellent people, teams and businesses believe in constant improvement and change.  Challenge the status quo, by looking for the edge.

4. Is failure always doom and gloom - surely its not the end of the world?
No, it is far more important to leave a legacy. People must be happy in all their facets. Create daily memories and value.

5. What aspects of rugby can be applied to education, careers and even other sports that illustrates success after failure?
“Winning takes talent – to repeat it takes character” - (John Wooden American basketball coach)
Sport does not primarily build character, but it definitely shows character. Character comes from a Greek word  - meaning the mark that is left on a coin during its manufacture (mark that we leave on our life). It describes your values, principles, goals, culture, what you stand for – and gives you a competitive advantage.