Past failures and low self-esteem often go hand to hand and can be a very nasty thing, hard to let go, leave behind and move on.
Here's a quote similar to your statement with doors and opportunities:
If an opportunity doesn't knock, build a door.
And one of my favorite about failures:
By now, you should know that I don't like to advertise, but since you are an @artguru, I can't help but to ask you opinion on Can certain video games be considered a form of art?, if you have the time.
Cheers! : )