2002 First Quarter Newsletter


2002, First Quarter	Focus on F a i l u r e

Thought for the Quarter "The process of achievement comes through repeated failures and the constant struggle to climb to a higher level." - John C. Maxwell

7 Abilities Needed to Fail Forward
Our last newsletter discussed "success." This one focuses on the power of failure. In his book, "Failing Forward," John C. Maxwell believes that through failure comes successes. He provides seven abilities needed to fail forward. They are: Achievers reject rejection. Achievers see failure as temporary. Achievers see failures as isolated incidents. Achievers keep expectations realistic. Achievers focus on strengths. Achievers vary approaches to achievement. Achievers bounce back. Maxwell believes that "to achieve your dreams, you must embrace adversity and make failure a regular part of your life. If you're not failing, you're probably not really moving forward." Read more on Maxwell's thoughts on the value of failing in his book. Excerpts in this newsletter taken from "Failing Forward" by John C. Maxwell.
Interesting tidbits About Failure
The average for entrepreneurs is 3.8 failures before they finally make it in business. Fear of failure creates a fear cycle. These are observed in the following 3 "p's:" Paralysis Procrastination Purposelessness Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda Dr. Samuel P. Langley, respected former professor of mathematics and astronomy, had done extensive experiments on achieving manned flight. Dr. Langley had the education, government funding, and resources to be successful. However, after years of trying Langley finally gave up... Then, days (yes, days) later, Orville and Wilbur Wright flew their famous flight near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Points to Ponder "Don't waste energy trying to cover up failures. Learn from your failures and go on to the next challenge. It's okay to fail. If you're not failing, you're not growing." - H. Stanley Judd "A person interested in success has to learn to view failure as a healthy, inevitable part of the process of getting to the top." - Dr. Joyce Brothers "If there is any single factor that makes for success in living, it is the ability to draw dividends from defeat." - William Marston
Rules of Failure
There is a misconception that failure is avoidable--it is not! The following is a list of rules to remember about failure: Rule #1.You will learn lessons. Rule #2.There are no mistakes--only lessons. Rule #3. A lesson is repeated until it is learned. Rule #4. If you don't learn the easy lessons, they get harder. (Pain is one way the universe gets our attention!) Rule #5. You'll know you've learned a lesson when your actions change. Failure should be a positive, learning experience. Bill Vaughn states that "in the game of life it's a good idea to have a few early losses, which relieves you of the pressure of trying to maintain an undefeated season."

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