Failures and Mistakes: Keys to Success
Published on 26 Feb 2008 at 6:14 am.
9 Comments.
Filed under Business Development, Feature Articles, Personal Development Strategies, Spirituality & Inspiration.
We all know that Thomas Edison invented the light bulb.
Did you know he also invented the stock ticker, the electric vote recorder, the automatic telegraph, the electric safety miner’s lamp, fluorescent lights, the motion picture camera, and the phonograph?
While struggling with the light bulb, he replied, “I have not failed seven hundred times. I have not failed once. I have succeeded in proving that those seven hundred ways will not work. When I have eliminated the ways that will not work, I will find the way that will work.” From the book The Power of Patience, by M.J. Ryan
Do you have a fear of failure?
Do you cringe at the thought of making a mistake?
If you do something that does not lead to the outcome you desire or hope, how do you use that experience to help you positively? Do you see it as a learning opportunity or a reason to beat yourself up?
I was doing a presentation the other night and one woman said, “Failure would be devastating. I know I would be so disappointed with myself for a long time.” To her, it was one of the worse things she could do. OUCH!
Being successful in any area of your life includes a learning curve. That means making mistakes, experimenting with decisions and actions to become smarter, proficient, skillfull…..
Do you think Donald Trump was a huge success on his first attempt?
How about Oprah? If you look at where she started and who she has become, do you see her as a woman who has sharpened her skills as a businesswoman over the last 20+ years. How about how she has grown as a person as well as a celebrity?
How about you? Are you the same person you were 5 years ago? If you’ve been growing yourself and your business, the answer would be no.
It is through the trial and error experiences that we develop our unique formula for happiness and success.
There is a difference between failing at an effort and taking on the identity of a failure.
There is a difference between making a mistake, and identifying with result.
Yes, you will minimize the chances of too many costly mistakes in your business by doing your homework, making informed decisions, and creating solid strategies to execute. Remember, that even with the best plan that includes anticipating possible outcomes, life can still bring you the unexpected. When you include failures and mistakes as part of your strategy to success, you will rebound more quickly to each situation as it arises so that you continue to move toward your destination.
Also, realize that getting things you may not want, will help you get that much clearer about what you do want. In that way, your commitment to your dreams and goals become more compelling.
We are, after all, human beings! We react, respond, screw up and do things brilliantly.
- Every opportunity offers a growth and healing opportunity.
- Approach life experiences with more self-love and compassion for those times you judge yourself to be less than your best.
- Accomplishments can be defined as the completion of an action. ANY action. Be willing to recognize and appreciate your courage to both succeed and fail. (which is all a success, really)
- Look for the gifts and blessings that challenge you to be more than you are.
- Experiment with new things and learn all you can from each experience regardless of the outcome.
Life’s a journey! Enjoy the ride 
Cheers,
Lorraine
www.powerfull-living.biz
Al at 7P on 26 Feb 2008 at 8:26 am: 1
Hi Lorraine - this is a great post. I think there’s so much pressure in not being embarrassed and being labeled as a loser that we tend to not even try.
I love the line, “There is a difference between failing at an effort and taking on the identity of a failure.”
Alex Blackwell on 26 Feb 2008 at 8:47 am: 2
What a powerful post Lorraine. You are so right about people fearing failure is what keeps them from being successful. Thanks for this important reminder!
lorraine on 26 Feb 2008 at 9:05 am: 3
Hi Al,
It’s so painful when we place those labels on ourselves rather than see that all attempts are really successes.
I feel so strongly about making the distinction between who we are and what we do. In that way, we can separate our being-ness from our actions.
Have a great day!
Lorraine
lorraine on 26 Feb 2008 at 9:08 am: 4
Hi Alex
Fear of failure and success are two main reasons people hold themselves back from having what they want.
It’s time to see the blessings and gifts in failures rather than to see the experience as something to avoid. It’s unavoidable!
Thanks for adding your comment Alex
Cheers,
Lorraine
Mark McCullagh on 26 Feb 2008 at 9:35 am: 5
Fear of failure is such a powerful detractor. And the funny thing is thta it is totally irrational.
Gamy Rachel on 26 Feb 2008 at 9:43 am: 6
Hi Lorraine,
I have learned to let go a lot, and have learned to accept things as there are. This is not to say that we should lie down and let life push us around too:)
Like this quote:
“A man must be big enough to admit his mistakes, smart enough to profit from them, and strong enough to correct them.”- John C. Maxwell
Blessings
Gamy
lorraine on 26 Feb 2008 at 1:20 pm: 7
Great quote Gamy
Like you, I’m a believer in picking and choosing one’s battles.
Cheers
Lorraine
lorraine on 26 Feb 2008 at 1:35 pm: 8
So many things that are irrational really throw us into an emotional spin Mark
Fear of failure or success are big ones for many folks. Another funny thing that is when we hold ourselves back from doing somthing that we want because of fear of failing, we actually SUCCEED in failing by doing nothing.
Cheers,
Lorraine
Personal Development Carnival: Issue 32 | The Next 45 Years on 3 Mar 2008 at 7:41 am: 9
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