You haven't failed until you stop trying

This is one of my favorite sayings, or mantras or whatever you want to call it. 
I think it is one of the really great things about life.  We get to decide how long the race is going to be.
For example, I really want to qualify for the Boston Marathon.  I decided in 2002 that I would qualify by my 30th birthday.  My training program was headed in that direction until surprise! I detoured to get my darling boy.  I couldn't eat or sleep during most of my pregnancy, so running was out of the question.  Re-set goal to qualifying by my 35th birthday.  Well, that was 2 weeks ago and guess what? I'm not even close.  Between then and now I have acheived an intermediate goal of completing a marathon.  The great thing is though, even though I haven't accomplished my goal yet, I haven't failed because I am still trying.  My new goal: Qualify for Boston while we are living in New Jersey.  This would be a great opportunity, because unlike other times, it wouldn't be a big burden on my family to travel to Boston for the race. 
I use this for all kinds of things; finishing my degree. (I have been a junior in college for 15 years), being a good housekeeper, etc.  As long as I am still trying, I haven't lost the race because I haven't crossed the finish line.