I grew up in Hawaii, where there is an abundance of beaches. I've always loved the ocean. I'd often skip class to go surfing.
When, at the age of 19, I went to Biola as a Bible major, I knew Greek would be tough for a guy who barely graduated from high school. But I wasn't prepared for the kind of endurance my Greek prof expected. I dropped the class after only 3 weeks. I accepted failure and was ready to move on to another major. At the urging of an administrator, I decided to try out Moody Bible Institute's correspondence course in beginning Greek. Guess what? I miraculously discovered I was good at it. I was even hired to teach Greek at Biola one year later. Which taught me a very important lesson about faith.
If I hadn't tried -- then risked failure a second time -- I'd never have discovered my gifts and capabilities. I gave Greek another chance -- better, God gave me another chance -- and I discovered what I could do.
When you fail, it may be an indication that you're not gifted in that particular area. But it could also be an encouragement to try it again.