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The secret of my success is simple really…
It’s not hard work, although I have certainly put in my share of long hours over the years.
And no, it’s not luck, as I happen to believe we make our own…
The secret of my success is something else entirely…
I am willing to fail.
Yes, you read that correctly. I am willing to fail. Now don’t misunderstand me. I’m NOT saying that I prepare to fail, or that I try to fail or even that I expect to fail. After all, I give every project I undertake everything I’ve got.
So what do I mean exactly? Here’s the thing: many people who go into business are not willing to step outside their comfort zone. They find one or two things that work reasonably well for them and they spend the rest of their business lives repeating them.
They never try new strategies, implement any cutting-edge marketing techniques or put themselves out there by speaking directly to clients and potential customers, either via teleseminars or at live events.
Why?
Because they are comfortable where they are, and most of all, because they are afraid they will fail.
Let’s face it. Not everything you try in your business (or even in your personal life) is going to turn out like you had hoped. But if you never try anything new, you’ll never know what is possible.
I’ve had my share of failures and, thank goodness, some successes as well. But as much as I’ve savored the successes, it’s the failures that have been my most valuable teachers.
Here are three of the most valuable lessons you can learn from your failures, along with how to apply those lessons in your business for spectacular results:
One – Always analyze the outcome of every project so you can pinpoint what you could have done differently or better. Never get so confident that you think you can predict exactly how a particular product offer will be received. Always remember to serve your customers and clients by giving them what they want, never what you think they need.
Two – Embrace failure by accepting that it will occur from time to time as a necessary consequence of consistently taking action. Learn from your mistakes, so that you don’t repeat the past. And even better, be willing to learn from others’ mistakes (by taking courses from them or getting mentoring) so you can dramatically shorten your learning curve.
Three – And above all, strive to be humble in this great Game of Business and grateful for the ability to participate in a grand adventure, every day of the week, that allows you the freedom to work from where you want, to be the master of your own financial destiny, to enjoy spectacular success and yes…to fail.
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Ellen, I love your article! People truly need to be reminded that failure is a part of the process – especially now, in this economy. It can be so very challenging when we put our heart and soul into something and then fail to get the results we want and expect. Your advice is so very timely! A sign on my wall reads, “Persist until you succeed!” Troyann
Ellen, Thanks that is exactly what I needed to hear today. I’m talking my business to a new level this year or going to the wall trying. I told myself, this year… I reach X level, or I turn it over and do something else. I DON”T WANT TO DO SOMETHING ELSE!!! But I’m willing to kick this thing so hard that I either succeed massively or fail. But I’m not going out with a whimper. See you in Raleigh!
Awesome Ellen(not arts&entertainment)
The ease with whch you can take a complex problem,transform it,and articulate a calm and willingness of expression to embrace it head on and conquer it with your elegance and sofistication has me simply awe struck and speechless!You know Ellen there has only been one other person that has had the ability to penetrate my walls of toughness and that was Bob Proctor.This guy can take a Phychologists and turn his head inside out with a few short sentences.Bravo!I need more of your medicine.Allan Dynes
Hi Ellen – what a smile your simple secret brought to my face
I bow to us all, how brave we are.
And I am reminded of Audre Lorde’s words:
When I use all my strength in the service of my vision, it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.
Hi Ellen
As always, you have such simple yet profound words of wisdom to share. On one level we all know this but when we hear it from others it can help get us back on track when needed. So thanks.
Tina
Looks like this post has struck a chord with my readers…and yes, Troyann, it’s easy to forget the process and the part failure plays in it.
Allan! I’m so grateful for your comment. You honor me.
And Stephanie, I love the quote from Audre Lorde!
Tina you are most welcome. And thank you so much for taking time to comment.
Hi Sandra…so glad to hear you’ll be in Raleigh…can’t wait to see you there!
Hi Ellen,
thanks for this important reminder to analyze and learn from our mistakes, and to be grateful for the wonderful opportunity to learn and grow in the adventure of life. Some ventures are more successful than others but I find that in the end they all need to be reviewed in the way you suggest.
I love the quote from Audre Lorde. It reminds us to keep our focus on service and that doing so makes failure or success a secondary matter.
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