3 minute read
The art of failure; learning from setbacks.
Flo the Businessman
Failure. Just the word alone evokes negativity and fear. We let it define us, shaping our entire identity. It holds us back from pursuing our dreams and ambitions. But what if I told you that failure doesn’t actually exist? What if setbacks were just steppingstones to greatness?
I’ve learned this firsthand throughout my life. Instead of seeing failure, I see setbacks. And I’ve made failing fun. Yes, you heard that right. Those who know me would never call me a failure. In fact, by most people’s standards, I’m a success. Because I understand that setbacks are a natural part of life, impossible to avoid, especially when you are pursuing a major goal and are out of your comfort zone. Sure, setbacks can be discouraging. They can make us hesitant to try again. But I’ve discovered the key to overcoming them. It’s not about dwelling on what went wrong or second guessing myself. It’s about accepting the outcome and using it as a learning experience. I maintain a positive attitude, focusing on future outcomes rather than dwelling on the past. I seek support from loved ones and mentors, not keep it bottled inside, and I remind myself to be flexible and adapt. By adopting this proactive and positive mindset, setbacks become opportunities for growth and improvement. Believe me; I’ve had my fair share of setbacks. I’ve lost millions of dollars, businesses that never took off, and even friends along the way. But I refuse to call any of it a failure because the real failure is never trying at all. In fact, two of my biggest setbacks were the best things that happened to me. It isn’t easy to see it at that time.
The first example, I had just gotten out of the military and had planned to flip real estate, meaning buying undervalued houses, fixing them, and selling them for major profits. Unfortunately for me, I bought at the wrong time in 2008, and my house was quickly underwater. Like many setbacks, it’s difficult to find meaning while you’re going through it. But in actuality, that setback allowed me to gain experience in problemsolving that has helped me out in business (I still own that property, by the way).
The second example, for seven years, I prepared my business to pursue a 32 billion dollar government contract that is only completed every ten years. The government was only going to select six companies to share this award. Over two hundred companies applied, and we came in seventh. That setback taught me that in order to reach that level of business; it requires a different network and lobbyist group. I wish it wasn’t the case, but it’s a reality.
There are many more I can list, but I think you get the point. So, let’s reframe setbacks as opportunities. Let’s build resilience and keep progressing towards our goals. Setbacks are not failures; they are steppingstones on our path to greatness. Embrace them, learn from them, and never stop trying.
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