Fail Forward
People are often chastised for their mistakes and wrong steps, even worse they often list those missed steps in their mind and use them as a reason to convince themselves that they do not have what it takes to succeed.
One of my first enterprises was in financial services, we had a unique investment opportunity which was only really suited to the very wealthy, under English law if someone invests large sums of money into an unusual investment, the advisor has to prove the person is informed enough to make the decision and wealthy enough for any problems not to affect their lifestyle.
The criteria above meant that we could only really sell to millionaires, we had to take financial statements to prove eligibility. Over the next few years I sat down with and interviewed over 2000 millionaires across and around London.
I can assure you that the vast majority had stories to tell about how they nearly gave up, about how they narrowly missed a major setback and how much they had learned on the journey.
I learned from this that a series of errors which are recorded, analysed and learned from, shape improved future actions, the trick is to do the learning and keep on going.
Recent Comments
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Thank you Jeff. Yes, failure at something doesn't mean the end. It could be the beginning of something more worthwhile , new and prosperous!
Your absolutely right, it could also mean you are just one modification away from succeeding at your current project. Richard Branson who is Britains favourite Billionaire has had many many failed projects.
Thanks for sharing, Jeff. I have taken a page from your experience. I am told I am being harsh on myself, given my accomplishments, but I struggle with “finishing” projects I undertake. I believe, though, I will stay the course with WA, thanks to company like you.
Thanks again
Mojalefa.
You probably give up early because you do not love what you are doing, you’re probably chasing money, find something you enjoy so much you would do it for free, the money will follow your passion if you keep your eyes open for opportunities. I apologise if I am wrong, but in 90% of the people I see quit anything early, that is the reason.
Thank you Jeff for sharing your experiences and what you have learned.
Failures are part of the learning process. The hard thing is to beat the bad feelings when failing, and find strength to go on.
Better learn from those millonaires and keep going even if we meet failures on the way.
:-)
Failure is just part of the process, each attempt is a test, from which we get results, having got the results we modify for the next test, scientists do this all day every day and they don’t call it failure, they call it the process.
Very true Jeff, it is amazing how many millionaires went bankrupt before hit the big times. The lessons to take from that are learn from your mistakes and do not give up.
Good post, Jeff. I especially like your title " Fall Forward". I think it really describes our challenges in our online business ventures. We are going to make mistakes but keep pushing the ball forward.
Thanks
Wayne
Yes, we have to be able to accept the failure to get better, and to rising every time after we fall.
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I think you are right. I ought to pursue what I love long before money becomes a problem, such that the enthusiasm is not overwhelmed by the desperation to make money.
Thanks for the advice.
Mojalefa.
No problem look forward to hearing what you came up with.