The unexpected changes happening today are causing a lot of people to think they have "failed." But have they really, or is that occurrence a necessary step toward success? Is it possible to be extraordinarily great in any area of our lives without going through those inevitable "failures?" Can a world-class golfer get to greatness without hitting a lot of balls in the lake? Can faith be mature and strong without going through doubt and radical uncertainty? Does a person ever find that perfect job without going through several disappointments or even firings first?
I think we need to change our definition of "failure." It seldom means the end of hope - rather, it seems to be a needed part of the process. Can you welcome failure? Can you at least see it as a healthy part of your progress toward the success you want?
Daniel Boone was once asked by a reporter if he had ever been lost in the wilderness. Boone thought a moment and then replied, "No, but I was once bewildered for about three days." I like that. Rather than saying you are lost, how about if you just acknowledge being bewildered right now with company closings, tight money and business challenges.
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Check out all the events coming up here at The Sanctuary in the 48 Days Highlights.
And be sure to read the quotations on "Failure." Something there will encourage you to continue today with your head held high.
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"Failure is good. It's fertilizer. Everything I've learned about coaching, I've learned from making mistakes." -- Rick Patino
Dan, I would like to hear more of your thoughts on failure. Since most of us who are trying to live a life with "No More Mondays" are probably going to fail several times, what does a "successful failure" look like? How much should we risk in pursuit of our dreams? As you often say, we must not be paralyzed by our fear of failure but I doubt you would suggest that we risk our marriages, health, homes, etc. while seeking to reach our goals. What do you think is the right balance in this area? Thanks, Eric
Great question Eric. And I believe there really are "successful failures" in business. Napoleon Hill once said: "Failure seems to be nature's plan for preparing us for great responsibilities."
So part of the issue is - Do you want to do something great - in any area? If you are content with mediocrity in your life, then you will try to protect yourself from any failure. Just recognize the trade-off.
But here's an important distinction: It's not just what you do in your job or your business that will identify you as a success or a failure.
Not having "date nights" or saying "I love you" daily will put your marriage at risk of failure.
Spending 65 hours a week at your job will put your emotional well-being at risk of failure.
Eating Twinkies and Big Macs and not exercising will put your health at risk of failure.
Financing a car or paying more than the equivalent of one month's income in cash will put your financial health at risk of failure.
Spending less than an hour a day on spiritual and personal development sets you up for the risk of failure.
Expecting a company to continue giving you a paycheck puts you at risk of failure.
These are ways people set themselves up for "failure" totally aside from whether they pursue a No More Mondays work option. The counterpart to this is, if you are successful in all the areas mentioned above, then "failure" in a business venture is not crippling. It is simply one area in which to readjust and start again. I've heard that Richard Branson will not invest in any company unless the person in charge has failed at least twice. I'm convinced that had I not had a major failure in business a few years ago - leaving me with a $430,000 loss - that I would have continued with an unrealistic view of my golden touch. I think I needed that experience to open my eyes - not to make me cynical, but to help me create a more solid business structure going forward.
I'm also totally convinced that someone who commits suicide upon losing a job or business had neglected excellence and success in the more important areas of life. Having rich deposits in relationships, spiritual well-being, health and social connections act as a buffer in carrying you through any temporary business failure. Whether you have a job, volunteer your time or start the next Microsoft - none of these alone will determine the success of your life.
So here's what I recommend for risking in a No More Mondays work option:
Take responsibility for where you are - whether good or bad.
Continue making deposits of success in the physical, spiritual, personal development, and relationship areas of your life.
Pursue work that engages your passions as well as your abilities.
Weigh the financial requirements very carefully. Personally, I have seven different areas of revenue generation in my small business. That way if one "fails" it's not devastating.
Recognize that a temporary financial loss does not need to be the end of your business venture. It's probably just a wake-up call, helping you to readjust for bigger successes in the future. Make the adjustment and know that you are now closer to ultimate success.
So Eric, recognize that many people "risk failure in their marriages, health, homes, etc." while desperately trying to hang on to a "real job." Identifying your passion, creating a careful plan of action, and moving into a No More Mondays work venture may be the very thing to reduce risk and increase your opportunity for true success. Thanks for asking.
Hi, Dan. I feel like I am on the verge of a breakdown. I want to take a short leave of absence from my job to try to get things under control. How do I handle this without my employer thinking I am cuckoo? I just need a break. I am a wife, mother, work full-time, take care of an elderly parent, you name it. ~Signed, Very Overwhelmed in Georgia
Is it "cuckoo" to want a break from the typical worklife? In the "busyness" of modern life, I see people who have lost the rhythm between activity and rest. "I am so busy." We say this as a badge of honor, as if our exhaustion were a trophy, and our ability to withstand 70 hour weeks a mark of real character. We convince ourselves that the busier we are, the more we are accomplishing and the more important we must be. But is this really so?
Each week I create a new online radio podcast — that you can hear in iTunes or at the 48 Days Online Radio Show link below.
Many questions continue to show discouragement and defeat. Recognize that circumstances have not changed that much from a year ago. The principles for finding or "creating" work you love are still the same.
I lost my job last December, my wife and I fight all the time now because I can not find a job. I'm at the end of my rope and it's about broke. Now what do I do? I've prayed and still no answer from God. Seems that my prayers are not heard.
When I apply for a job thru career builder or other jobsearch sites I have NEVER received a response or call for an interview. Why? My resume' is posted on the different job sites.... no recruiter has ever called me. What is going on...?
I am a Nurse. 14 months ago I started an on-line pet jewelry site. Everyone loved the idea. One problem, my site and shopping cart was not designed well or user friendly. I generated interest in the product but made no sales from the site. I am discouraged, and not sure if I should continue in today's economy or just call it quits with this product for now.
I am interested in starting my own retail business selling maternity clothing & accessories & nursing wear. How do I find out the average profit for this particular type of business in a town my size & the average start-up cost? What advice would you give to someone considering this?
On several occasions I've had neighbors ask me to paint their home. I'm not a painter by trade nor do own such business. My neighbors must admire the work I did on my own home, so they look at me as an alternative to hiring a pro. My dilemma is determining a fair fee for such a service. Any advice on pricing? I've never had to charge for such a service.
******************************************* If you have a question, just email me at askdan@48Days.com and you can ask about starting your own business, getting a better job, or finding your purpose in life.
And you can click the link below to listen to this week's broadcast immediately - no downloading - no wait.
Coaching with Dan
Many of you ask if I still coach people individually. Yes, I do. I have always felt that my writing would become weaker if I were not working with people in the day to day challenges that finding meaningful work presents. So while I have many new opportunities I still am energized by hearing your stories -- and finding creative solutions that move you toward the life that you love. See the details here: Coaching with Dan
********************************************* Lead the 48 Days Seminar
My daughter Ashley and I are offering a one-day training program to help anyone who wants to be ready to lead this six-week program. We'll provide you with a complete set of leader instructions, DVDs, and the confidence to begin sharing immediately. Certified 48 Days Trainer
********************************************* Living, Loving & Working - with Dan & Joanne
Joanne and I are inviting you to a two-day event here at our Sanctuary. We share our principles for life success - including how to find or create work that is meaningful and profitable. This event is coming up March 19-20th. Living, Loving & Working
********************************************* Idea Into Business Academy
This is the title of our next 212Connection RoundTable event, also here at The Sanctuary on our property. This is a jam-packed two-day event (Mar 6-7) where you'll be hearing from our leadership team. And you'll have a chance to share your idea and get the help to grow it quickly. Get in now -- RoundTable
Move on from "failure"
The most popular product in the 48 Days arsenal continues to be the 48 Days Career Profile. Before you begin seeking a better job or self-employment, you need to be sure you are pursuing opportunities that match your personality style and will fulfill and reward you for a lifetime!
"Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure...than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat." - Theodore Roosevelt
"You always pass failure on the way to success." - Mickey Rooney
"There are a lot of ways to become a failure, but never taking a chance is the most successful." -Anonymous
Failure is the opportunity to begin again more intelligently. - Henry Ford
If your life is free of failures, you're not taking enough risks. -- Unknown
"Without the rocks, the stream would lose its song."
"Consult not your fears but your hopes and your dreams. Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential. Concern yourself not with what you tried and failed in, but with what it is still possible for you to do." - Pope John XXIII
"I have missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I have lost almost 300 games. On 26 occasions I have been entrusted to take the game winning shot . . . and missed. And I have failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why . . . I succeed." Michael Jordan
"Most success springs from an obstacle or failure. I became a cartoonist largely because I failed in my goal of becoming a successful executive." -- Scott Adams
Failure should be our teacher, not our undertaker. Failure is delay, not defeat. It is a temporary detour, not a dead-end street.
Move on from "failure"
