INTERNET GRANDFATHER®

Failure

                                        When I was young and enthralled by fiction, I came to believe that failure was a disgrace, a lasting disgrace, that would plague a person for the rest of his or her life. I convinced my younger self that the people who mattered in the world looked down upon those who failed at something and kept them from succeeding later. I let the fear of failure keep me from trying things unless I was sure I could achieve some level of success. As one would guess, this led me to avoid many things that could have helped me in life.

                                                  Later, I came to understand that failure was no disgrace and, in fact, was often an essential precursor to success. Failure can be the best teacher of how to do things. In a process of trial and error, we find our way, find our best, learn what to do and what not to do. Those who never have failed may succeed temporarily but when trouble comes they may not know how to deal with it. Because they are untested and unlearned in the matter, they may not be able to correct mistakes and get back on the right path.

                                                    It's also true that fear of failure may eliminate a lot of pleasure, the pleasure of trying new things, the pleasure that comes from trying one's best even in a losing cause. Success that comes too easily not only teaches us nothing it gives us little satisfaction.

                                                     I recently read an editorial on this subject. It argues that failure and the willingness to fail is essential to economic success. It point to Silicon Valley as an example. "You fail a few times- or eight times- and eventually you get it right." The writer argues that where a different spirit obtains economic stagnation is the only possible result.

                                                     Be willing to fail. You'll learn how to succeed and you'll have more fun along the way.

9-10-07