FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION

“What would you do it you knew you could not fail?” You've pondered this proverbial question before. Take a moment.

I’ve launched and led multiple businesses, and I committed to each one believing 100 percent in their success. In fact, I clearly saw the thriving nature of each business with certainty and pursued success like it was already done.

Failure can be the greatest teacher, so let’s say that I’ve succeeded, and I’ve learned through all my years in business.

I’m not fearless when it comes to launching a business, in fact what people don’t know about me is that I have a fear of failure.

When I launched a luxury lifestyle magazine in the late 90s, I didn’t know enough to fear anything. After a real success with that business, when I launched a second magazine, the doubts crept in. People knew me for success in the publishing industry…what if it didn’t happen this time? I knew all too well what it would take and how hard it would be.

I’ve just learned to channel that energy into making something a success, working hard to keep feelings of doubt at bay.

It’s okay to feel fear, just don’t let it stop you or get in your way of achieving your dreams.

So, I don't really see failure as an option. I’m either going to be successful or I’m going to learn how to pivot and find success.

Here are five beliefs that keep me inspired and moving forward:

I BELIEVE SUCCESS IS A PROCESS, NOT AN END

If something isn’t working, it isn’t failing…it needs a new approach. Don’t give up if your idea is a good one. Everything that isn’t working is a lesson in what can be better. It’s not over until you say it’s over, and that’s a choice.

I BELIEVE AUTHENTICITY IS AN ADVANTAGE

To build a brand, you need to establish trust, and the speed of trust is accelerated when people can see who you truly are. That means the good, bad, and ugly side of you. If they know you are struggling, they are likely to help you. If they understand that you are a human with flaws just like them, they can trust you. Flaws are not failures; they are obstacles to be overcome.

I BELIEVE THAT RESILIENCE IS A WINNNG QUALITY

Some businesses fail because the founder just gives up, they quit too early. Because we know that this is human nature, simply staying consistent and not quitting puts you in an elite minority, and sometimes you can win that way.

I BELIEVE YOU HAVE TO GET STARTED TO WIN

The business you don’t start will never be successful or make you millions. The cost of analysis by paralysis or fear of launching could be the value of your next business if you don’t act. If you don’t get started, you can’t get feedback, see progress or course correct. You may not nail it the first time but put something out there to you have a place to start.

I BELIEVE ADVERSITY IS OUR FRIEND

The body grows stronger from stress; trees become stronger because of the wind and adversity trains the mind to believe in a better day. Most people will not change without some level of adversity, and that pain or even feelings of failure is the catalyst to learning, growing, and improving.

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If fear is holding you back from launching something you want to create, reach out. We’re all in this together and some support might be just what you need to take that leap.

Remember, when you leap, the net appears.