For the past five years I’ve failed frequently and consistently (What it’s Like to Fail 35,000 Times in Pursuit of a Dream http://richhabits.net/copy-what-its-like-to-fail-35000-times/). I’ve gotten over the embarrassment of failure. When you are pursuing a dream, I’ve learned that you have to get used to failing. You have to develop an immunity to its negative emotional affects or you will quickly lose your mind. On the rare occasion I succeed, well, it nearly knocks me off my chair. Its so completely unexpected.
What I’ve learned from all of my failures is how important it is to soak yourself in those rare successes. They are like an oasis in the Sahara. They renew you. I’ve learned to stop and let those rare success events pour over me like sweet honey.
I think there’s something important in failing. Failures not only teach you important lessons in what not to do; failures also teach you the importance of cherishing those rare successes. I’ve learned, over these past five years, the importance of celebrating my victories. They may not be often but when then happen, boy, they’re like life’s white out. They erase the pain of those failures, as if they were never there in the first place. When you succeed, for a moment in time you feel good about yourself. I think we all need to celebrate our rare victories when we have them. Life is just too short.
About Thomas C. Corley
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