My first business failure was a will typing business. We bought our first computer (complete with a 40 MB hard drive), some office furniture and some nice paper. We still have the office furniture and paper, but we did not make enough revenue to cover our expenses. But I learned a lot!
My next business failure was when I was trying to get a new business started for the utility I was working for. That failed too, but fortunately was with someone else’s money, not mine.
That experience gave me the courage to start my own business as a financial planner. My first six years in business was awful; I worked really hard and I didn’t make much money. Even though those first years were a bust, I learned a lot and now I am making more money that I would have if I was still at the utility, have more job security, have built a business that I can sell, and most importantly, I am enjoying it much more!
Fear of failing is the number one killer of experiencing new possibilities and better things to come. Because most people are afraid of failure, they will choose the security, even if it means a boring and unfulfilling life. They give up hope of living the life they truly want.
There is a difference of being a failure and failing at something. The paradox is that people that have accomplished the most have failed the most. Those who are willing to fail end up being the most successful. Those who are unwilling to risk failing settle for living someone else’s script.
So when you fail, grab a friend and go celebrate, sharing what you learned. You are one step closer to success!