Confess and forsake

Pro 28:13He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

It is a painful thing to fail.  We are tempted to deny or ignore our failings.  Such an approach never leads to good things.  We are encouraged to be open before God, acknowledging our failings, our sins.  It is this approach that brings the mercy of God on our life.