Failure. It's a word that sends shivers down most people's spines. But what if I told you that failure is the very thing that could catapult you to success? That it's not just an unavoidable part of the journey, but a crucial ingredient in the recipe for achievement?
You've heard the success stories of Lionel Messi, Steve Jobs, and Elon Musk. But here's what they have in common that most people miss: They've failed. A lot. And guess what? So have I.
In fact, I've come to see failure as my greatest teacher and most powerful ally.
Before we dive in, let me share my own "failure resume":
And that's just scratching the surface. Each of these failures was painful, embarrassing, and costly. But each one also taught me invaluable lessons that I couldn't have learned any other way.
But here's the kicker: I've had massive success precisely because I was willing to fail. Today, I'm going to show you how to adopt this mindset so you can turn your failures into triumphs.
I used to run from failure. Now? I chase it like my life depends on it. Because in business, it does. Here's why:
It's simple math, but it's the key to success that most people overlook. Every failure is a data point, a piece of information that brings you closer to success. It's not just about learning what doesn't work, it's about understanding why it doesn't work and how you can adjust.
Business is a skill game, just like sports. And guess what? When you first step onto that field, you're going to suck. Hard.
Take Messi. Sure, he's got a natural connection with the ball now. But when he was born? Just like the rest of us, he couldn't walk. Nobody starts as an expert. Messi's journey to becoming one of the greatest footballers of all time is paved with countless missed shots, failed dribbles, and lost games.
Let's look at some other "failures":
Every time these giants stumble, the market panics. Stock prices drop. Commentators scream, "It's over!"
But here's the secret: It's only over if you quit.
Most people can't handle the emotional turmoil of failure. It's embarrassing. It hurts. So they quit.
That's the true nature of this game. You have to keep your emotions in check long enough to stop being incompetent. You have to learn how to walk before you can run. And yes, you'll fall. A lot. But each time you get back up, you're stronger, smarter, and one step closer to success.
Let me tell you something crucial: being able to handle embarrassment is a superpower. While people are busy pointing and laughing, you'll be learning, and skills stack.
Think about it. When you're not afraid of looking foolish, you're free to take risks, to try new things, to push boundaries. This is where innovation happens. This is where breakthroughs occur.
Remember, failure isn't the thing that kills dreams - failure to take action is. Most people are paralyzed by the fear of making a mistake and looking stupid. Don't be one of them. Embrace the embarrassment. Wear it like a badge of honor. It means you're in the arena, fighting for your dreams, while others watch from the sidelines.
Here's how you can start embracing failure and using it as a catalyst for success:
The only path to outsized success is to outperform the competition. To do that, you're going to have to fail more and learn more. I wish there was an easier way, but, alas, there's not.
Here's your mission: Go find something you would die for, and live for it - no matter how many times you have to fail. This is your "One Thing"—the goal or dream that drives you, that gets you out of bed in the morning, that you're willing to fail a thousand times for.
Today, after a LOT of failure, I dry my crying eyes with hundred dollar bills every time I mess up. Why? Because it pays to learn.
Remember: The distance between you and success is measured in failures. The more you fail, the closer you get.
So, what are you going to fail at this week?
Speaking of failing forward, are you tired of going it alone? Ready to surround yourself with other entrepreneurs who understand that failure is just a pitstop on the road to success?
Then it's time you joined our Zero to Founder community.
Here's what you get:
Don't let another day go by feeling isolated in your entrepreneurial journey. Join Zero to Founder today and turn your failures into fuel for success.