Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Failure ... the Road to Success


In response to the supposition that my enthusiasm for Life is founded in a history of successes … I have had a few occasions to set ‘the record’ straight. And invariably, after even the most abbreviated recounting of my litany of always-very-public personal losses … I get a look that silently says, “How in hell … ?”


So I was comfortably familiar with the conversation between Charlie Rose, and his two guests tonight. Each of them are world-renowned Chefs. One was the early Mentor of the other, and has consistently been referred to as the greatest Chef in the world today, by an impressive array of notable Peers. When they responded to Mister Rose’s question, dealing with their ’secret’ of success in their field, I found it very gratifying, and significant, that it was with a recalling of a distant moment, that they illustrated their willingness to embrace Failure as the root, of each of their respective sets, of accomplishments.

Hence, I am happily enthused to offer a couple of my favorite quotations for your consideration today. I do sincerely hope that you find some thread of useful substance in them.



“I've missed more than 9,000 shots in my career.

I've lost almost 300 games.

26 times I've been trusted ...
to take the game winning shot ... and missed.

I've failed over, and over,
and over again, in my life … and that is why I succeed.”

Michael Jordan


“Success consists of going from failure, to failure …
without loss of enthusiasm.”

Winston Churchill


11 comments:

lime said...

oh that quote from winston churchill is really powerful. and it is the challenge of life to respond without a loss of enthusiasm, isn't it?

Suldog said...

I am reminded of Ted Williams and his insight that success in baseball means actually getting it right 3 times out of 10.

Always good stuff here, John-Michael. Always.

John-Michael said...

I am ever-thankful for the loving encouragement, from precious Friends, like You, Dear Lime, that makes the "enthusiasm," so much more, a natural happening. I too think that the Churchill words ring solid and true.

Lovingly ...

John-Michael said...

You, Dear SulDog Friend, just reminded me that Babe Ruth held (and may still hold?) the record for number of strike-outs ... along with his record of home-runs.

You always bring "good stuff" out of me Jim. I appreciate that! [smile]

Lovin' Ya ...

Clarissa Alverson said...

Very true and wise--life does seems to go much easier if we can say to ourselves, “The worst that can happen here is that I fail…and learn…and thereby move one step closer to knowing how not to fail anymore.”

Anonymous said...

And then I'd say - is it even failure? I'm not sure not winning/suceeding is the equivalent of failure.

John-Michael said...

Perhaps, My Dear Clarissa, we can just allow ourselves to accept those events/happenings as "Experience." No "failure" at all ... just a "rough patch," or "bump in life's road." And Experience is something that is to be cherished and honored. Yep! I think that I like that perspective. [smile]

Lovingly ...

John-Michael said...

HOORAY! BINGO! How wonderfully healthy! Oh, how I do celebrate your perspective and appreciate the gentle way with which you, Precious Citizen Friend, offered it. You may note that I (at the first of this bit) suggested that I have occasion to recount "personal losses" (NOT failures.) I was blessed, long ago, with an awareness that there can be no "Failure" until the 'finish line' of Life's 'race' is crossed. Everything prior to that 'conclusion' is but a 'hurdle' either 'endured' or 'mastered.'

I thank You, Dear One, for your shared thoughts. (I was, so very much, hoping that this "comment" element, of the Post, would open this avenue of discourse. [smile])

Lovingly ...

jillie said...

WIthout falling, how can we pick ourselves up?

Failing does not mean the end of the world, it's a mere stumbling block and one more obstacle to over come.

It's a shame that so many people are told that if they don't succeed that they are failures.

John-Michael said...

As I read your words, Precious Jillie, I smiled in my awareness of all of the Lives that You touch with your beautiful encouragement. From those who are introduced into your professional world, to those many (judging from some of the joyful photos that you share) who enjoy your Presence ... I am encouraged in the thought that your views are available for uplifting so many. You are just simply ... lovely! [smile]

Lovingly ...

John-Michael said...

My very dear Anonymous Friend ... please accept my heart-felt gratitude for both your visit with me, and your kindness and generosity in speaking to me. How lovely of you!

You made me feel good! [smile]

Lovingly ...

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