Are you willing to fail?

Jan 7th, 2011No Comments

Several years ago, Robert Kiyosaki, author of Rich Dad, Poor Dad and numerous books on financial intelligence, was on Oprah speaking about the power of starting your own business. One of the audience members indignantly challenged Robert saying, “What would you say about the fact that one out of ten businesses fail?” Robert said something like, “Well, then I guess I’m gonna have to start ten businesses.”

Add to that my all-time favorite TV commercial (you got to check it out- YouTube link) with Michael Jordan saying, “I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life and that is why I succeed.”

Successful people are not afraid to fail. They do not get all neurotic and say, “I started that business and it failed. Shame on me. I will never do that again.” They simply learn from it and move on to another opportunity.

Same with relationships. How many people give up after a “failed” relationship? They break up or get a divorce and interpret it as a failure. They say, “I guess love is not meant for me.” No… they simply did not possess the necessary skills and awareness, yet. Ironically, the skills and awareness that only come from experience. What kinds of experiences? Failures.

Successful people seem to view it differently. They see failure as a positive thing. They see it as an opportunity to learn and to ultimately succeed. It is business to them- they take risks and realize that some will fail and some will succeed. They do not dwell on failure; they simply move on. They do not let some measly failure deter them from what they are after.

So give it another shot- the next one will likely be a grand slam. After all… what have you got to lose?

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About author:

Michael Hoffman’s passion is guiding people to connect with their natural gifts. He believes that we all have innate gifts that hugely benefit others and the world when we offer them. The purest example of these gifts is the Native American concept of medicine or the gift you offer your people. Michael defines your medicine or gift as the natural effect you have on other people when your heart is open. Unfortunately, the demands of our current culture to comply and fit in often distract people away from their inherent gifts and the natural expression of their being. Michael believes many of us have forgotten our dreams and what we are about. This sadly results in a loss of purpose, passion, and vitality. As an innate gift specialist, Michael offers retreats, classes, and individual sessions to allow people to reclaim their natural gifts. These venues allow people to identify, awaken, and offer their gifts. This experiential work incorporates Zen thought, Native American ceremony, rites-of-passage, and releasing limiting belief systems. Michael also maintains his meta blog to provide knowledge, skills, and awareness for unfolding your natural gifts. He is currently compiling this knowledge and research into a college class and book. Michael earned his Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 1987 and Master of Social Work in 1996. He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. In addition to his formal education, Michael studied and apprenticed with a Zen Master and spiritual teacher for 22 years to learn how to guide people to understand themselves. He has worked with people professionally since 1986 as a psychotherapist and teacher. Michael currently resides in Oceanside, California.

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