The Most Successful Failures
August 26, 2012 – 6:29 pm
The wrestling coach of my first national team threw me with a takedown I’d never seen before. Elated, I attacked him and he did it again. Sixteen times later, still laughing at my vulnerability, I understood the opening, and how the counter so deftly undid me. Far better to try and fail, than fail to try. We only grow through planned failure… and I’ve never been thrown by that takedown again.
I began flat on my face. And I will certainly fall again, maybe even today. But for me, falling isn’t the conclusion of a loss, but the launch of my next climb to victory. Don’t be jealous of others success; you don’t know their humble beginnings. Be inspired when others get up and get up again. The only constant in success is starting over. Those who repeatedly succeed make it an art form.
A true master once told me only those who can internally see who they want to become, and painfully long for it, can achieve their potential. Being human is art, and expanding potential AFFLICTS us. Be gratitude for your discomfort with your current condition; that discontent lies at the heart of motivation, passion and growth. Without glimpsing what you want to become (next) you could not continue to evolve. Only when we don’t pine for growth should we worry, for then, no matter how hard we try, we go nowhere very quickly.
You are feeling exactly what you need to be feeling to take the next big leap. Just remember, when you feel this again, after you’ve succeeded at overcoming the impending transformation, you feel this way BECAUSE it is your power, your ability to change. Too few have it, because current strife can squelch that internal light. Treasure it. Share it.
Very respectfully,
Scott Sonnon
www.facebook.com/scottsonnon
