Question: How much does the idea of failure hold back one's progress in training or competition?

Sri Chinmoy: The idea of failure is a most deplorable thing in one's life in any field. We must never cherish the idea of failure. We must always have the feeling that we shall succeed. There is no such thing as permanent failure. Failure is only temporary. Even if we fail today, tomorrow we are bound to succeed. Again, we have to know that success cannot come at the seeker's own sweet will. God Himself will act through the sincere seeker and grant him success at His choice Hour.