Well at least not in the figurative sense. There’s certainly a stigma around admitting, let alone sharing publicly when you – say it with me – fail.
So, once again let me clear the air… I’ve failed a lot! I’ll take it one step further and say I’m happy to admit it. However, the truth is failures are your stepping-stones to success. For example, I’m proud to fail miserably at all of the following:
Giving up ❌ Accepting I’m a failure ❌ Not trying again ❌ Not seeing the positive ❌
Overnight success?
You’ve probably heard or maybe even used this expression to describe someone or something that seems to have suddenly gained widespread fame as if overnight. Is such a thing possible? First, let’s define the word “night”. If you’re referring to an undetermined period of time of countless rejections, unrelenting effort, and delirious optimism, then it’s possible.
To the untrained eye and those watching from afar running a successful business may seem effortless. The reality of starting a successful business is the antithesis. Having a high tolerance for pain, rejection, and yes “failure” is an important skill set that can’t be overlooked or avoided.
It’s a Skill
This particular topic was discussed in a recent conversation by my J3 colleague Jennifer Callender with guest Rodney Bonds, CEO and Founder of BK Lobster.
When asked who the ideal franchisee candidate would be, Rodney holds in high value someone who’s experienced their fair share of failure. He compared this unique skill set with that of a Homerun King that has just as many strikeouts as they do home runs. He went on to explain that striking out helps that hitter make the necessary adjustments to hit a homerun.
I agree with Rodney that learning from your failures and making the necessary adjustments is an invaluable asset for any professional. In fact, here are a few motivational quotes from successful figures both past and present that prove this principal:
Michael Jordan
“I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. Twenty-six times I’ve been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”
Thomas Edison
“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up, the most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time” – (failed 1,000 times before successfully inventing the incandescent light bulb)
Babe Ruth
“Every strike brings me closer to the next home run” – (known for hitting over 700 home runs in his baseball career. However, he had approximately 1,330 strikeouts in his career.)
In conclusion, just because you failed miserably at something doesn’t mean you should feel miserable. Lift your head up, dust yourself off, and step up to the plate. Now point 
and swing for the bleachers.
Co-founder of The J3 Collaboration Project