I failed in the Civil Service Exam twice before I made it into the list. And looking back, I would not trade those two failures for the third success.
The first time I failed because I did not have proper guidance. I was too full of myself to consult others. Having been an above-average student my whole life, I felt that I was smart enough to crack the exam without any consultation or help. I learned a great lesson in that attempt. When in doubt, ask for help. And help you shall receive. I learned humility in my first attempt.
I failed the second time because I took a vacation after the preliminary examination. It was a one month long vacation and I thought I deserved it. I did not. I had not reached my goal and I was required to persevere till the end was reached. I learned the value of hard work and perseverance in my second attempt. The story of the hare and the tortoise was hammered hard into my head after that attempt.
The third time, I was singularly focussed and kept the first two lessons in my mind. I made it into the list. However, the lessons that I learnt in my first two attempts have made me a stronger, better person. I am sure they will go a long way in keeping me grounded. So, very often, the things that you consider as failure are often just a matter of perspective. Just look at it from a different angle and you would understand that you actually succeeded in those times.
So, I rephrase my opening sentence. I succeeded in the Civil Service Exam thrice. However, I made it into the list only the third time.