“When obstacles arise, you change your direction to reach your goal; you do not change your decision to get there.” — Zig Ziglar

Failure isn’t a dead-end road—it’s a detour. The key to success isn’t learning from failure, but changing course because of it. Life doesn’t always go according to plan, and detours are a part of it. But those who can change direction, rethink strategy, and adjust mindset come out stronger, wiser, and better suited for success.

The Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 18, Verse 14) states:
“Success comes to those who put in efforts, align their actions with wisdom, and adjust to circumstances with prudence.”

To realign after failure means shifting our strategy, expanding our insight, and being dedicated to our goals even when our course has to be altered.

Why Realign After Failure is Important

  • Rigid Plans Lead to Frustration – Refusing to let go of a failing approach can waste valuable time and energy.
  • Flexibility Results in Innovation – Adapting allows us to discover new and better ways to succeed.
  • Failure as a Feedback System – It informs us about what isn’t working and enables us to refine our strategy.

History is filled with people who, rather than quitting, changed course after failure and went on to achieve greatness.

1. Amitabh Bachchan: Redefining Himself Through Realignment

One of India’s most renowned actors, Amitabh Bachchan, suffered a huge career setback in the late 1990s. After years of film success, he launched Amitabh Bachchan Corporation Ltd. (ABCL), a production and event management company. However, ABCL failed, leading to massive financial losses and even bankruptcy.

Instead of walking away, Bachchan realigned his career:

  • He returned to acting, embracing character roles instead of insisting on lead roles.
  • He took a television opportunity to host Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC), even though TV was seen as a step down for movie stars at the time.

His decision reshaped his career, making him a household name once again. Today, Bachchan isn’t just an actor—he’s a legend. His journey proves that failure isn’t final—realignment can lead to an incredible comeback.

“Do not be embarrassed by your failure, learn from it and try again.” — Richard Branson

2. Steve Jobs: Using Realignment to Transform Technology

Apple’s co-founder, Steve Jobs, was fired from his own company in 1985. Instead of treating it as the end, he used the setback as an opportunity to realign:

  • He founded NeXT, focusing on advanced computing.
  • He invested in Pixar, which later became the most successful animation studio in the world.
  • Apple, struggling without him, eventually bought NeXT, bringing him back.

When Jobs returned in 1997, he transformed Apple’s vision, leading to game-changing innovations like the iMac, iPod, iPhone, and iPad—turning Apple into a global powerhouse.

Had he remained stuck in resentment, he would never have revolutionized technology.

“Life tends to knock you around a bit at times. Don’t lose your faith.” — Steve Jobs

3. The Mahabharata: Arjuna’s Reorientation on the Battlefield

In the Mahabharata, Arjuna, the most skilled Pandava warrior, faced an internal battle before the actual war even began. Seeing his loved ones on the opposite side, he lost confidence and refused to fight.

Krishna, his charioteer and guide, helped him realign his thoughts:

  • Arjuna was overwhelmed by emotion and forgot his duty.
  • He needed to shift his focus from personal emotions to a higher purpose.
  • By understanding his role in upholding dharma, he regained clarity and fought with determination.

This story highlights that failure often begins in the mind, and realigning our thoughts, emotions, and perspectives is the key to overcoming it.

“Change the way you look at things, and the things you look at change.” — Wayne Dyer

4. Oprah Winfrey: Altering Her Path to Build a Dynasty

Oprah Winfrey was fired from her first job as a TV news anchor because she was considered “too emotional” in her reporting.

Instead of giving up on television, she realigned her approach:

  • She transitioned from news to talk shows, where emotional storytelling became an asset.
  • She embraced her authenticity instead of suppressing it.

This shift led to The Oprah Winfrey Show, the highest-rated talk show in history, establishing Oprah as one of the most influential women in the world.

“Failure is life’s way of nudging us in a different direction.” — Oprah Winfrey

5. The Bamboo Tree Story: Patience in Realignment

In Chinese philosophy, the bamboo tree is a powerful symbol of resilience and realignment.

  • A bamboo seed doesn’t sprout for the first five years.
  • While nothing appears to be happening above ground, its roots are growing deep underground.
  • In the fifth year, it suddenly grows over 80 feet in just six weeks.

Had the farmer given up in year four, he would never have seen the results.

This story reminds us that sometimes realignment requires patience and long-term focus. Progress may not always be immediately visible, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t happening.

How to Realign After Failure

  • Identify What Went Wrong – Was it the approach, timing, mindset, or external factors?
  • Unentangle Ego from Reality – Avoid getting stuck in “this is how I’ve always done it” thinking.
  • Be Willing to Adapt – Modify strategies, explore new opportunities, and experiment with different approaches.
  • Seek Advice – Mentors, coaches, and books can offer valuable insights.
  • Stay Committed to the Goal – The destination remains the same, but the path may change. Flexibility in approach matters.

As Swami Vivekananda wisely said:

“Take one idea. Make that one idea your life. Have your brain, muscles, nerves, and every part of your body full of that idea. This is how to be successful.”

Conclusion: Realign to Make a Comeback

The most successful people aren’t those who never fail—they’re the ones who recover from failure and keep moving forward.

  • Amitabh Bachchan redirected his career from bankruptcy to television, reinventing himself.
  • Steve Jobs shifted direction after being fired, leading to Apple’s greatest innovations.
  • Arjuna realigned his mindset in the Mahabharata and fulfilled his purpose.
  • Oprah Winfrey changed her approach to play to her strengths and built an empire.
  • The Bamboo Tree teaches us that realignment sometimes requires patience and unseen growth before a breakthrough.

So, the next time failure knocks at your door, don’t resist realignment—embrace it.

Because, as Albert Einstein once said:

“Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”

Failure isn’t a stop sign—it’s a comma. Redirect your path, and keep moving forward. 🚀

Dr. Prahlada N.B
MBBS (JJMMC), MS (PGIMER, Chandigarh). 
MBA in Healthcare & Hospital Management (BITS, Pilani), 
Postgraduate Certificate in Technology Leadership and Innovation (MIT, USA)
Executive Programme in Strategic Management (IIM, Lucknow)
Senior Management Programme in Healthcare Management (IIM, Kozhikode)
Advanced Certificate in AI for Digital Health and Imaging Program (IISc, Bengaluru). 

Senior Professor and former Head, 
Department of ENT-Head & Neck Surgery, Skull Base Surgery, Cochlear Implant Surgery. 
Basaveshwara Medical College & Hospital, Chitradurga, Karnataka, India. 

My Vision: I don’t want to be a genius.  I want to be a person with a bundle of experience. 

My Mission: Help others achieve their life’s objectives in my presence or absence!

My Values:  Creating value for others. 

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