What Does It Mean to Face Life’s Tests?
You’ve probably heard people talk about “life’s tests” or “life’s challenges.” But what does that really mean?
Here’s what I’ve learned: if life gives us tests, then it also gives us lessons to prepare for them. The tricky part? These lessons don’t come from textbooks. They come from our daily experiences—both good and bad.
My First Business Failed, and It Changed Everything
Let me tell you my story.
In April 2012, I opened my first bookstore. I was excited and full of hope. But by mid-2013, I had to close the doors. My business had failed.
That failure hurt. It was embarrassing. I felt like I had let myself down.
But looking back now, I realize something important: that failure was one of my greatest teachers.
What Failure Taught Me About Business
When my bookstore closed, I had to ask myself some hard questions:
- What mistakes did I make?
- Which habits led to this failure?
- How could I do things differently next time?
These questions weren’t easy to answer. But they forced me to grow.
Failure tested my inner strength. Could I keep going? Did I have the courage to try again? Could I handle the pain and embarrassment?
The answer to all these questions turned out to be “yes.” But I had to prove it to myself first.
Everything Around Us Is a Lesson
After my business failed, I started seeing the world differently.
I realized that if we pay attention, everything becomes a lesson:
- Good experiences teach us what works
- Bad experiences teach us what to avoid
- Successful people show us what’s possible
- People who make mistakes remind us what not to do
Even nature teaches us. The sunset reminds me that time is precious. The sunrise tells me that every day is a fresh start—a chance to do better.
Learning from Others: The Story of Mr. Lim
In 2012, I met an older businessman named Mr. Lim. He owned a small electronics shop in eastern Singapore.
Mr. Lim told me about his own journey—the failures he faced and how he eventually succeeded. His story gave me hope. It showed me that failure doesn’t have to be the end.
The lesson? Our mistakes are valuable. But the mistakes of others are valuable too. We can learn from both.
I Tried Again—and This Time It Worked
In 2014, I opened another bookstore called Wardoh Books.
This time was different. I had learned from my mistakes. I had listened to advice from people like Mr. Lim. I had changed my bad habits.
And you know what? The business worked. Wardoh Books is still running today.
How to Turn Your Life Into a Classroom
Here’s my advice if you want to learn from life:
- Use your eyes. Watch what happens around you. Notice what works and what doesn’t.
- Use your ears. Listen to both praise and criticism. Both can help you grow.
- Use your mind. Think about your experiences. Ask yourself what you can learn from them.
- Stay positive. Even bad experiences have something to teach you.
When you do these things, the whole world becomes your classroom. And the best part? The lessons are free.
Final Thoughts: Every Experience Has Value
I’m grateful my first business failed. I know that sounds strange, but it’s true.
That failure pushed me to become better. It taught me lessons I couldn’t have learned any other way. It prepared me for success.
So if you’re facing your own “life test” right now, remember this: you’re not being punished. You’re being prepared.
Pay attention. Learn the lesson. And when you’re ready, try again.
The sunrise is waiting for you.
