Stumbling toward Success
(Note: Since this is an election year, I have compiled a collection of 60 leadership quotes from the 12 best Presidents, ranked by 142 historians. You can download the 4-page e-book below as my gift for your support.)
Issue #44
Churchill was a man who faced both failure and success multiple times throughout his life. He did poorly in school, had a speech impediment, grieved the death of a child, smoked Havana cigars, and was captured and spent time as a prisoner of war in South Africa. Â
He wrote a novel, two biographies, three volumes of memoirs, and several history books. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1953. He painted hundreds of paintings, several of which now hang in museums. He served as the Prime Minister of Great Britain twice. So when Churchill speaks of failure and success, we all should listen.
The path to success is not a straight line. It curves, weaves, and bends back on itself. Sometimes, we think we will never reach the top of the mountain. Other times, we feel lost, alone, and ready to quit. Even success has its drawbacks. Too much success can be overwhelming and leave us wanting to get off the treadmill.
We all face both failure and success in our lives. How we respond to what life hands us will tell others much about our character. How do you react when you suffer the humiliation of defeat and rejection? Do you become angry? Do you seek revenge? Do you withdraw into depression? Â
How do you respond when you receive some honor and are applauded by everyone? Does the recognition go to your head, and you become arrogant? Do you act like a diva and expect everyone to do your bidding? How we deal with the successes and failures of life tells us a lot about ourselves.
People, unfortunately, strive to be perfect and not make any mistakes. For creative leaders, perfection often creates paralysis and immobility. Painters stay with the tried and true because they don't want to risk failure. Writers don't step outside their comfort zone because of the fear of failure. Business leaders don’t try new ideas because they are satisfied with the status quo and don’t want to rock the boat.
We are a society driven to be perfect and don't tolerate mistakes. Yet, without failure, there is no success. Failure provides the flavor to life. Â
Yet, in the moments of failure, some of the greatest novels have been written, and some of the greatest paintings have been painted. Without the pain of failure, there would be no joy in success. So, I challenge you to step outside your comfort zone and try something new.
Plant seeds of hope in the hearts of others.
