There are great lessons to be learned in what we often call failures or mistakes.

Every business owner and professional has experienced fear at some point in her career. That fear often masquerades as procrastination, second guessing or analysis paralysis. It can stop you cold, slow you down or keep you from letting your light shine as brightly as it can.

Consider that a setback is not necessarily a "failure". For often the events we perceive as failures, actually open doors to opportunities that are beyond your wildest dreams. Mistakes can give us nuggets of wisdom, if we choose to learn from them.

Failures are simply stepping stones. For there would be no new products, advancements, breakthroughs or great successes if someone had not at first, faced the risk of failure. So when you do experience an occasional setback, smile ... know you are in great company and ... choose to fail forward!

Believe in yourself, be persistent and you simply can not fail.  I invite you to explore this page of fun facts, inspiring words and great resources. Hopefully the idea of failure will take on a new and more empowering meaning. 

Some Food For Thought

What do Walt Disney, Bill Gates and Abraham Lincoln have in common? They all started businesses that failed prior to achieving unprecedented success. 

Let's look at some other people who have created 24kt stepping stones out of what
some people would consider monumental failures or obstacles.
 

Oprah Winfrey continues to rewrite the book on success as a television pioneer, magazine founder and editor, producer, actress, leader, philanthropist, international humanitarian and radio programmer. She was recognized by Time Magazine as one of the most influential people in the twentieth century.  She did all this, despite growing up in circumstances that most people would have deemed life-shattering. Her stellar success and philanthropic efforts are making history and serve as a shining example of what is truly possible when you believe in yourself.

Did you know that Harvard Business School turned down Warren Buffet’s application for admission? Yet, he became one of the most successful investors in history, one of the wealthiest men in the world, and has donated his fortune to improve the world in which we live.     

Beethoven's music teacher once said of him "as a composer he is hopeless."

Richard Hooker, author of the novel MASH, had his novel rejected by 21 publishing houses. It was eventually published in 1968 and became a bestseller, was made into a hit movie in 1970 and was later adapted into one of the most successful series in television history.   

Did you know that Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team?

Albert Einstein is recognized as the greatest physicist of all time, father of the theory of relativity, pioneer in quantum theory and won the 1921 Nobel Prize in Physics. Yet his parents thought he was mentally handicapped, his grades in school were so poor that a teacher asked him to quit, saying, "Einstein, you will never amount to anything". He also failed the entrance examine to the Swiss Polytechnic Institute in Zurich.

Barbra Streisand made her stage debut at nineteen in a show that closed after one performance.

John Grisham’s first novel was rejected by sixteen agents and a dozen publishing houses. He later went on to publish over 20 bestselling novels.

Although Sandra Day O’Connor graduated at the top of her class from Stanford Law School, she was unable to get a job at a law firm in California because she was a woman. She later became the first woman appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Emmylou Harris dropped out of UNC at Greensboro and worked as a waitress in Virginia Beach. She went on to win 11 Grammy Awards.

Dale Carnegie bought copies of his own book “How to Win Friends and Influence People” to ensure a second printing. His book later went on to sell over sixteen million copies.

Viewing Fred Astaire’s 1928 screen test, a producer commented: “Can't act. Can't sing. Balding. Can dance a little.”

I could keep going ... but I think you get the point.

Failure is a consequence of trying. It is simply a test result that gives you the gift of wisdom and 24kt opportunities.

Do not let the fear of failure keep you from letting your light shine as brightly as it can.

For you can be, do or create absolutely anything you can imagine!