People are so afraid to fail; so determined to avoid mistakes. Searching for solutions to problems that haven’t materialized prevents forward progress – analysis paralysis.
I’ve stated many times that failure isn’t the opposite of success, it’s an integral part of it. There is no success without failing. Accept failure as a step on the journey to achievement. But also consider the goal.
I’d rather fail my way to greatness than succeed at mediocrity.
Ariana Huffington’s first book was rejected 36 times before it was finally received. Now she owns an empire.
Stephen King’s first book was rejected 80 times before finally being accepted. He has now written nearly seventy books, 120 short stories, and 20 novellas.
Harrison Ford was told he would never make it in the acting industry. At 81, he one of the most highly recognized actors, commanding high dollars for his movies.
Katy Perry joined several small labels, all of which failed or folded. Now she is a top pop star and has travelled the world.
Colonel Sanders failed at every business he ever worked in or started. He was sixty-five and had $100 in his pocket when he started peddling his idea to pressure cook chicken with his mom’s spice recipe. When he died, his restaurants were strewn around the world.
Bill Gates created a really junky product at his first company, Traf-O-Data. Many also criticized his several versions of Windows and Microsoft. Today he is worth billions.
George Steinbrenner bankrupted his first team and nearly ran the Yankees into ground before it became the powerhouse team it is today.
Milton Hershey was fired from a printing apprenticeship before starting a failing at three different candy companies. The company that bears his name is one of the largest food manufacturers in the world.
Dozens of people have failed numerous times before they caught their first break. Then they kicked the door down and turned that one small break into an opportunity of a lifetime.
What if they had simply wanted to get a better job? Hoped for the courage to perhaps ask the boss sometime in the next year for a meager raise? None of these people were born of privilege. None had greatness thrust upon them. None were even given a break. They found an opportunity and forged a break from that seemingly small event.
I know a guy who is constantly inventing new things, coming up with new ideas. Each time I see him, he is just one meeting away from having one of his inventions offered in every “As seen on TV” aisle in every Walmart in America. He is always upbeat, despite his numerous failures. He always holds hope that someday the right person will see one of his ideas and decide to invest.
I’d rather fail my way to greatness than succeed at mediocrity.
Don’t let fear keep you from doing what you know you should do. Don’t let fear of failure paralyze you. Don’t let the negative words of those who dare not destroy your dream to dare.
You have greatness inside of you, waiting to be known.
I tell my adult children that they will never get something they didn’t ask for. No one will walk down the street, see their house, and decide that this is the house that needs greatness handed to them with no effort on their part.
“Hey, I don’t know you. But I saw this house and decided I really don’t need all I have. I’m going to give you all of my hard-earned success, my money, my opportunities, my fame, my connections. No, don’t get up. You just sit there while I make you a success. Don’t worry, I have your life all under control. See how wealthy and famous and successful you already are just because I arrived? Just wait, it only gets better.”
NO.
Go get it.
Go earn it.
Don’t be afraid to fail.
Don’t be afraid to succeed.
Don’t listen to the critics, naysayers, ne’er-do-wells, and soul-suckers. They feel better if they shoot you down. They grow when they convince you to shrink.
Keep your plans private, your desires hidden, your goals close to the vest. Then let them wonder how you made it look so easy.
Fail your way to greatness. Don’t succeed at being average.
Weeg
Joe “Weeg” Weigant is a Holistic Health Practitioner, Metaphysician, and Empowerment Coach. He combines bodywork, energy work, and coaching to relieve anxiety and depression. A balanced nervous and energy system increases health in the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual bodies. Joe encourages his clients to drop the white flag of victimhood and pick up the banner of empowerment. He inspires people to stop riding in life’s trunk and start sitting in the driver’s seat of destiny.
Weeg sells herbal products by Nature’s Sunshine and Pure Herbs Ltd. and is a Representative for Juice Plus. Weeg teaches Karate and Tai Chi, Reiki Certification, as well as seminars and workshops in metaphysical and spiritual matters. Weeg is available for sessions at Tri State Holistic Wellness by appointment only.
Contact by text 812.568.5356, or Facebook Messenger to set an appointment.
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