When many people hear the word "failure" they think it's the end, instead of what it really is, experience. To be successful we have to look at failure and setbacks as just other ways to learn. No one gets through life without making mistakes and having setbacks. But it's critical to remember that these setbacks are there for us to learn from, not to focus on.
Power Principle "If you aren't making mistakes, you aren't making progress!"
If you see failure as a door that has been closed, find a new one to open. If you see failure as a road that is closed, find a detour! But whatever you do, find a way.
I know of almost no one who ever succeeded in a big way on the first try. In 1962 a major record company told The Beatles they didn't like their sound and that groups with guitars were on the way out. As a sophomore in high school, Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team. And how about Fred Smith? As a college junior he wrote a paper outlining the need for a nationwide delivery company specializing in time-sensitive goods. The paper got a C. Today his company is called Federal Express.
When someone tells us we can't do something, instead of looking at it as a failure, at least leave room in your mind that he or she could be wrong! There is great pleasure in doing what others say can't be done. When a door closes in front of you, it could be because your approach is wrong and needs to be fine-tuned. It could also be because the person closing the door is completely wrong! In the first example, a new approach is what is called for, not quitting. In the second example, breaking down the door might be appropriate. (I am speaking of course, in the figurative sense.) You must believe with everything in your heart that you are right and will succeed. You must also believe that you are on the right track and will win as long as you stay persistent and don't quit. Never let your thoughts or the thoughts of others stop you from becoming what you want to be in life.
Power Principle "What it takes to discourage you, is in direct correlation to the amount of belief you have in yourself."
Remember, the road to success is paved with the bricks of individual accomplishments created by setting goals, and improving one's self through reading books, as well as going to classes and seminars. Because before we can be successful, personal growth must happen. In other words, for our lives to improve, we must improve.
If we stop learning, we stop growing. To truly grow as an individual, you must constantly stretch beyond your comfort zone. Basically, you must do what successful people do. Learn to do the things that others won't, and you will eventually be able to do what others can't.
David P. Schloss
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