The word “failure” is a word no one wants to say out loud, especially as someone starting a business.

However, failure is a big part of being an entrepreneur. In fact, the most successful entrepreneurs have come face-to-face with a failed business at some point. What makes a successful entrepreneur; however, is the ability to get back up and try again.

That’s not to say failure isn’t difficult. To put it bluntly, it sucks. No one wants to start a business that doesn’t succeed. But after all of the blood, sweat, and tears, you realize your company going out of business isn’t the end of the road. It’s merely a speed bump along the road to success.

Take a deep breath and relax

Failure is unavoidable. No need to dwell on it. Once you come to that conclusion, take a deep breath and let it all out. It’s been scientifically proven breathing can help calm us down, which is why you absolutely need to do it.

Once you’ve calmed down, relax. Do whatever keeps you calm. Exercise, take a hot shower, or enjoy a drink or two. This should help you digest the situation, and look at the experience differently. With some perspective, you’ll find it can be refreshing to pull the plug on something that has become a drain on both your time and resources.

Reflect and adapt

Set emotions aside and reflect on the loss analytically. Why did the company fail? Was there any way to save it? What factored into the failure of the business? Once you answer these tough questions, you should have learned a thing or two. You can take these experiences with you during the next go-around.

However, try not to reflect all on the negative, but more on the positive and how it will help you in the future.

Plan your next business

You are now a more experienced entrepreneur who has some contacts. Take all of that and put it toward your next business venture. I bet you won’t make the same mistakes again, and you’ll enjoy a successful business.

Enjoy your free time

One of the worst aspects about being an entrepreneur is you don’t have any free time. Now that you don’t have to devote every second of the day to your company, you can enjoy yourself. Whether that’s going out to dinner with friends or taking a much-needed vacation, use your free time to recharge your batteries and catch up on all the moments you might have missed out on in the past.

Volunteer

Typically, volunteers want to make a difference, are passionate, can spot opportunities, and enjoy being around people. Sound familiar? Those are the same traits entrepreneurs possess.

Plus, volunteering can give you a new perspective on another industry–and maybe even lead to a new business idea.