I read that it takes the neural synapses (and thus your brain) over 1000 hours/attempts to finally get the skill you are attempting ingrained. This is why I cannot make a doll out of paper clay no matter how many times I have tried. Because the four times I tried are not enough.
Failure elicits fear. If I try something new whether it is a dietary change, exercise program or the attempt to start a business, fear rears its ugly head.
But the most successful people failed. Miserably. (Simon Cowell lost millions before hitting big with Idol).
Failure is a teacher. It is the opportunity to discover what did not work and why. If I allow myself to dwell in sadness that I have failed at something then I miss what it brings.
Last year I participated in a local craft show. It rained on the outside event and I sold one thing. Barely. If I had wallowed in that pitiful state of thinking I was a failure then I would have missed out on the fact that I met incredible people and businesses. I would not have found those cute doggy treats for Sadie or that fabulous scrapbooking store which I still frequent.
I still have not purchased the tickets I need for Market in October. This venue will allow me to look at fabrics and meet manufacturers to determine if I buy fabric wholesale for next year. But if I don’t go then I can’t fail. But if I don’t go then I cannot succeed either.
Embrace that what ever door opens…walk through it. You never know what success you will achieve.
And buy your tickets, what ever they may be.
QUESTION: What are your “tickets”?
25 Responses to The Success of Failure
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Wonderful post Erika! I often make decisions based on fear of failure and am trying hard to change that. My fear was preventing me from signing up for a 3 day craft show this December by telling myself it was a was of time and money since I can't compete with the others. Well I shut that voice up, sent in my application and hope I get in!
Sadie is very grateful that you found those yummy doggy treats!
Erika, I almost didn't start a blog for fear nobody would read it.
I am gradually learning to overcome those irrational fears. I tell myself that if I fail at something, it means I should just move on. Works for me!
p.s. don't miss that opportunity!!!
Go get those tickets girl! I try to look at failure as a learning opportunity as well :) Some of my best creations come from "mistakes"!
What a wonderful post. I'm so glad that I read it today.
I didn't get into the craft show that I spent $40 to apply to this year and was really down on myself. I've been looking for other outlets and just applied to 2 yesterday. I'm also thinking about trying to get into a consignment opportunity but haven't quite bought that ticket yet. you may have given me the inspiration to go for it.
What a great post this is. This may have been just what I needed to read. I guess my tickets would be the etsy store that everyone keeps telling me I should open.
Excellent! so, so true! and inspiring! Failure just tells you what doesn't work, but you won't know that unless you try!
So here's to you Erika, and all your successes so far, and the new ones you will have!
Erika, this is so great, and so encouraging. I'm feeling failurish lately, but maybe I just haven't tried the right thing yet, or haven't tried it enough times.
Eerika – great post and very inspiring!
This will sound funny, but my ticket is to get in the car and go to the "country" for red earth. That's the theme this fall for my paper! Today, I've got a ticket to ride with DH!
fabulous post…perfect reminder – one that I need often :P
As for tickets…I'm still looking!
What a great post! I'm just starting out and I could probably read this everyday. Thanks so much for sharing it with everyone!
Thanks for the words of encouragement. I often avoid situations because I think that I will fail. I have been pretty hard on myself because I don't think that I'm getting "enough" sales. I just started selling on Etsy in July and through a local gallery in August, so I try to keep telling myself to give it time. It is so hard to be patient when you want immediate results!
Elizabeth from EBN Art Studio
Thank you for the wonderful comments. It is interesting how many people feel the same desire to try something new but things tend to hold us back. I am grateful that you each took time to comment on my little blog!
This is so true! I am giving myself a hard time because progress is slower than I would like – I have a 2 year old son at home still and I work when he sleeps. I become discouraged because things move on sooo slowly and then I fall into that 'failure' mode. Patience and perserverence are qualities than we can never have enough of!!
Thank you for your helpful and encouraging words. It is hard to stay positive when sales are slow. Thank you.
what great advice…..the only thing we really have to fear is fear itself, right. thanks for giving the encouragement and a little extra kick in the rear.
So true- thank you. It is so easy for me to make excuses about what I don't get done. But when I really think about it- I must admit it is usually because of fear.
My ticket is to look into packaging and marketing for wholesale.
This is very inspiring for me. I've been toying with the idea of taking my business to the next level but have been afraid of failure. But as you so aptly point out, if I don't try I can't fail but neither can I succeed.
Roselyn
Erika, thank you & bless you for sharing this now….how timely, given that the topic of fear was addressed by the adorable "When I Grow Up Coach," Michelle Ward, as part of our Holiday Boot Camp encouraging Etsy email. As I commented, I, too, am frequently held hostage by fear, & I forget that practice creates skill & allows creativity to flow, as trial & error, doing & trying & starting over & believing in oneself can result, finally, in the most delightful, wonderful creations from us all. Thank goodness for Etsy, this community that helps me to feel "A Part Of" something wonderful, not "apart from" others living their bliss. Your creations are absolutely NOT failures, & I, for one, feel grateful that you did not take that 1 rainy craft fair day's results as "fact" about your gifts. Get those tickets – you rock, gal!
Peace & blessings, Roselyn Lightfoot's Critters & Vintage Finds
Great post, I enjoyed reading it. Many times people like to sugar coat business dealings when they first start. As the novelty wears off and that fear starts to creep in that's when it starts to become challenging. I am a firm believer that there is no success without failure.
Notepourri–I am lucky in that there are several local brick and mortar women-owned businesses that are willing to talk to others about the realities of business. And you are right–you cannot have success without failure.
This was a very good read.
Fail faster. Succeed sooner.
I am inspired!
great post! Reminds me of my Gran who always said we learn more from our mistakes than our successes
It took me almost 2 years before I market my handmade bags. As you said, yes, I fear of failure. Only recently that I learned I would never succeed either if I never try and do my best.
Thanks for the great post!
Quaymerbly and ArtSnark, you both are so talented!
ArtSnark–your Gran sounded like she was a brilliant lady.
This is a GREAT post – exactly what I needed this week. Thanks for the pep talk!