The Success in Failure
Saturday, 03. 21. 2009 – Category: Ranger Wireless Solutions
These days, with the meteoric rises of young entrepreneurs behind companies like Facebook, we begin to get lulled into a false sense that building up a new company easy. While some may stumble into quick success, the vast majority really have to work simply keep on trying before they find it. By trying, of course, I don’t simply mean that we have the will to not give up. It requires that we physically make an effort all the time. Quantity determines quality.
Whenever I come across someone who laments being unsuccessful in love, the first thing I ask them is, “What are you doing to find love?” Are you going to social environments where you might meet people? Are you willing to talk to strangers or ask friends to introduce you to others? While it is perfectly fine to enjoy a good movie at home, it certainly isn’t going to help you find love. After all, when was the last time a beautiful, single member of the opposite sex happened to show up at your doorstep?
It’s not just love where quantity of attempts (and failures) breeds quality. In order to even be considered for the batting title, a Major League Baseball player must have at least 500 at bats even to be considered. Never mind how many hits you have—you have to work for the chances first. Thomas Edison had 1093 patents, and not all of them are as memorable as the light bulb. Not to mention the number of ideas left in the trash can.
The examples go on and on. Most of us by now have seen or heard the terrific (or horrendous, depending on how you look at it) track record of President Abraham Lincoln. Among his many failures before earning his place in the White House in 1860 were:
1832 Lost job and defeated for state legislature
1833 Failed in business
1836 Had nervous breakdown
1838 Defeated for Speaker Nominated for Illinois House Speaker
1843 Defeated for nomination for Congress
1848 Lost re-nomination to Congress
1849 Rejected for land officer
1854 Defeated for U.S. Senate
1856 Defeated for nomination for Vice President
1858 Again defeated for U.S. Senate
The smart and successful ones realize that you should never fear failure. Failure itself is a success, because it signifies that you are at least trying. What you should fear is the fear of failure, as it is what strips you of the desire to try in the first place.
David Fleming is Director of Corporate Communications for CornerWorld Corporation.
Tags: article, David Fleming, failure, innovation, success