Thomas Edison's pursuit to refine the light bulb was a dream that he just couldn't shake. He finally succeeded on his 10,000th time. Edison is quoted saying, “I have not failed 10,000 times—I've successfully found 10,000 ways that will not work. Edison was saying all the times of not reaching his goals were simply feedback.
His mindset gives us some keys on how to overcome failure.
1. Failure is just feedback
The first thing to do is to remind yourself that failure is just feedback. Can you imagine if Thomas Edison quit on the 9,999th time? Edison could have looked at the numerous times his invention didn't work and given up, but instead, he persevered because he was sure that somehow, some way his vision would work. He just needed to continue until he combined the right things to get the solution.
Each time he didn't succeed, he was learning what not to do the next time. As you look at your journey to accomplishing the dreams you have for your life, maybe along the way things didn't work the way you expected, and you have set your dreams on the back burner or the shelf. Consider that now may be the opportunity to ignite the flame and remove the dust. Now may be the time for you to build again. If this dream is truly your life purpose, the vision you see has never left you.
2. See Failure through different lenses
Edison's way of looking at his problem is an amazing way to look at life. What an example of tenacity and resilience. Half the battle to overcoming failure is your perception. Is the glass half empty or half full? It's all in how you look at it.
One of the first things that elevate our thinking is gratitude and thankfulness. Find something about the experience to be thankful for. It will keep you from dwelling on it and going down a downward spiral instead of an upward one.
I don't think I would go 10,000 times to build my dream, but I can say that every time I want to give up, my dreams speak louder than any setback.
3. Try again
The quote, "If at first, you don't succeed try, try again. The fear of failure has stopped more people than failure itself. As you're pursuing the dreams of your heart, it doesn't come easy. Many of us think we're building a dream but, the dream is building us. Failure is giving us information about our weaknesses, tolerance, creativity, thinking out of the box, lack of skillset, or understanding. It's saying there is still more you need to know. If we learn from our failures, it is a huge opportunity for growth.
Maybe this time around make more challenging goals and take more risks. Check to see if your goals are directing you to reach your dreams. Come out of your comfort zone and get comfortable with being uncomfortable.
The great thing about trying again is the experience you gained from the previous time. You don't have to start from scratch in your pursuit. You start with what worked and do something different with what didn't work. We know what we know, but to get to our dreams we must learn what we don't know. Sometimes you need advice, coaching, or mentoring. These individuals are great resources for success. Sometimes you may need to get more education, take a course, or get a certification to help you reach your dreams. Sometimes you need to grow in your personal development, learn to believe in yourself, address the negative self-talk, and build your confidence.
4. Remember You're Not Alone
The truth is everyone has failed. It's a part of life. However, everyone doesn't recover. Meaning everyone doesn't see failure as a lesson they see it as the end. They give up and never try again.
Truth is this will not be the first or the last time you fail. When you embrace it as a part of life, you take away its power. Rebounding will be quicker. Self-talk will be encouraging. Shame will not have a hold on you. And transparency about your failure will help others.
This time around have people in place such as advisors, coaches, and mentors to help you navigate your decision-making to keep you from failing often. But if you fail, they are there to give you the advice, direction, steps, and encouragement that is needed to pick yourself up and go after your dreams again. But this time you'll have more wisdom, knowledge, and insight on how to get to your expected end.
5. Celebrate You
It takes courage to go after your dreams. So many of us are on the sidelines secretly wishing we would step up to the plate. Even if you didn't hit the bullseye this time, doesn't mean you won't the next time. So, celebrate your bravery, strength, and belief in yourself. Celebrate all the things you did to get this far, the prospecting, planning, marketing, networking, going to bed late and getting up early, and perseverance to continue until you got a yes. Celebrate you for not quitting and giving it the best, you could with what you had.
Without celebrating the small wins, you will think that you haven't done anything. Celebrate, then move forward with the next phase of your growth to accomplish your dreams.
Encouragement & Motivation
Whatever is in your heart, whatever it is that you see, whatever it is that will have you waking up every day saying, "I Love My Life", don't quit until you reach that place.
Sometimes we don't accomplish our dreams because we don't know what steps to take, or we need someone to help us get clarity, or keep us accountable. As a certified coach, I'd love to help you. Until next time. Have a great day!!!
Josilyn Drake is a wife, mother, Certified Life Coach, Entrepreneur, Speaker, Author, Singer, Songwriter, Recording Artist, and Talk Show Host. She loves inspiring and motivating people to take action to become a better version of themselves.
To book Josilyn for speaking engagements: booking@iamjosilyndrake.com
To get information on coaching programs: info@iamjosilyndrake.com
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