I really wanted to be a cheerleader in middle school. If you’ve only know me as an adult, you might find that hard to believe, but it’s true. I practiced like crazy. I gave my all at tryouts. I didn’t make it. I had failed.
I took business calculus in college. I really felt like I needed the challenge. I have no idea what happened in that class. I got a D-, and only because the professor just wanted me out of his office hours, because truly, I had failed.
I desperately wanted to start my own business. I knew it was what I was meant to do, but I had no idea where to start. So, I invested over $10,000 in advertising and branding to get things off the ground and lost it ALL. By all outward standards, I had failed.
Are You A Verified Failure?
Right now you might be thinking that I’m going to tell you its okay to fail.
You might be thinking I’m going say “fail your way forward,” and “fail your way to success.”
Those are true statements, but that is not I what I’m about to tell you.
From the time I graduated college, until the time I started my business. I NEVER failed.
I went to law school, did law student things, and became a lawyer. I dabbled in real estate. I toyed with the idea of small business. I maintained the status quo.
But, I NEVER failed.
You see where I’m going now, don’t you?
I NEVER failed, because I never tried anything beyond my reach.
I was playing a safe, small game of life that my Spirit was dying to quit. I believed the lie that I didn’t have the “capital” I needed to start a business. I asked the question, “who am I to lead others, what do I really have to offer?” I felt trapped by a situation I wasn’t sure how to change.
Have you ever felt this way?
Then here is what you need to do: FAIL!
Because, if you feel even remotely like I’ve described, it means you haven’t tried everything possible to succeed.
It means you haven’t really reached beyond your comfort zone. It means you haven’t really stretched yourself.
Every time I’ve ever failed, it’s because I’ve truly tried.
I’ve committed everything I could to the process and came out with less than desired results.
But I TRIED. And, yes, I learned.
And, the more I “fail” the more I succeed. So, I keep reaching.
I know you might be weary, frustrated, broke, disappointed or overwhelmed.
But, I also know you don’t have to be.
You have the ability to turn the story around. The question is, “Will you?”
Will you reach beyond your comfort zone? Will you go and try again? Will you make the extra sacrifice? Will you be willing to really fail?
The other day I was re-reading one of my favorite business books of all time, The Sticking Point Solution, by Jay Abraham.
In it he recounts a story where he attended a Tony Robbins seminar, and a man came on stage to ask for advice.
In front of thousands of people, this man told Tony that he had tried EVERYTHING to make more money, but couldn’t do it.
“Name the last twenty-five to thirty new tactics you’ve tried in the last six or seven months and describe how each performed,” Tony asked.
The man couldn’t name one. After being pressed a bit harder he was able to name two.
TWO things.
Two is a whole lot less than EVERYTHING, wouldn’t you agree?
If you’re going to succeed in business and life, you can only be one of three types of people.
People who make things happen.
People who watch things happen.
And people to whom things always seem to happen.
Which type are you?
And, if you think I’m being harsh…
Don’t forget what the Good Book says…
For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.
I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency].
Be strong, courageous, and firm; fear not nor be in terror before them, for it is the Lord your God Who goes with you; He will not fail you or forsake you.
Can’t you see? You’ve got a lot to stand on. It’s time to fail, so that you can succeed. What are you waiting for?
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Great post ! thanks so much, especially for those scripture reminders.
It’s so refreshing the way you share the Lord & His Word.
Bless you,
Linda
Sorry for the late comment, Marlee – I’ve bee recovering from some surgery.
I heard something one time to the effect of: if you’re not free to fail, you’re not free to really succeed. You have to be willing to risk real failure to do anything worthwhile.
Loren!
Sorry for the late reply! I hope you’ve been making a speedy recovery. Praying for your healing. Thanks for stopping by.
Nicely written Marlee. I’ve been independent for over 11 years now and it took a major leap of faith to do it I’ve had highs and lows, things that have worked and haven’t. I’ve felt failure hard enough to put me in bed for a couple of days and success big enough to put me in a casino for a couple of days. And I’ve done things that I’d have never had the opportunity to do if I’d stay working in my version of a corporate environment.
Nope, not easy at all, but I prefer it because, when all is said and done, it’s on my merits.
Mitch MitchellWhat’s Wrong With Being Nice?
I couldn’t agree more, Mitch! Thanks for sharing. Nice to see you here.
So true, I believe if you havent failed in life you haven’t tried to accomplished anything!! I love this news letter it inspire’s me to keep trying and keep pushing.. cause in the end something have to give!!
You do, Elizabeth! I’m so glad to help be a source of inspiration. Keep pushing, girl!
Reflecting back on the goals I had worked so hard at attaining I saw a common thread. I had a bigger, loftier goal that took many years of smaller goals to see it come to pass. But when I had reached all those small goals I realized my big dream had changed. Through the process of coming to terms with the change of my dream I found the common thread in all the smaller goals-I was driven by results. Now that was an eye opener. Now I can take a realistic approach to my big dream of being successful. I enjoy reading your blog posts for you always move me to deeper thinking regarding business success. Cheers!
Thank you so much, Debbie. I think your point is one that proves why it’s so important to enjoy the journey. While we might make our plans, God directs our paths. We just have to trust Him in his leading, and be open to the possibility that our vision for ourselves doesn’t quite match the vision he has for us.