Thanks for the post, it really got me thinking about how failure is integral to shaping your successes, so what have you got to fear?

I also think there are some really interesting parallels to draw from your post to do with organisational culture and leadership. I firmly believe that the best organisations and the best leaders are those that encourage their staff/followers to push themselves out of their comfort zones and to take risks, but support them and help them learn and reflect when they fail. Failure within organisations should not be punished, as long as it is learned from. Failure is part of organisational learning and I’m sure the companies that are at the top of their games right now embrace this approach.

Cheers,
Jed

In lots of cases, failure in achieving the big goals we set comes as a result of people simply stopping taking action, essentially giving up on the goal. Others who are clearer on the vision, more able to persist, willing to do what it takes, will often get there.

As Robin said, ‘failure just is’ — and fear is a self generated roadblock that gets in the way of action in pursuit of our goals. If you want something, go out and make it happen and persist until you achieve it.

Failure is a fascinating topic. Building on your excellent post, I’m actually a huge fan of failure. What I mean is this:

Failure gives me feedback as to what is NOT working, so that I can adjust my approach and try something new and different;

Failure keeps other out. Many run from the risk of failure – they take it personally. This is especially useful in business, because the more people perceive that it’s a difficult market/project, the fewer people will actually participate. Some of the ‘toughest’ markets/situations have provided me with the most lucrative opportunities.

Failure keeps you sharp. It heightens your awareness of what’s going on around you – especially opportunities. Keen senses are valuable indeed.

Failure begs success. The more spectacularly I fail, the more hungry I become for the solution. Failure is like a magnet for better ways – more focus, stronger NO, more careful about the people I hang out with, higher quality inputs etc.

Failure stimulates creativity. Most of my best ideas have come from persistent, nagging failures. I call it the NOT in my stomach – “New Opportunity Time”.

Failure energises you. It’s like a spark plug that jolts immediate and continued action.

I could go on, but I think you get the picture.

The BIG thing about failure becoming a huge positive force for success in your business and life in general, is NOT to personalize it, but to harness it’s power for immediate, effective and positive change.

And one more thing…

Fear of failure is like a disease that spreads creating myths that dope people into lowered expectations about what’s possible. Faliure just is! It’s our interpretation of it that is so important.

Best, Robin

Generally speaking, the older people grow, the more fear (and fear of failure) becomes a factor in their lives. Children have very few fears but by the time they develop into adults there seems to be list as long as your arm of things that they are not willing to do or don’t think they can do.

Quite often those who are considered to be entrepreneurs don’t seem to be afraid of things others quite often are – such as speaking to a group, opening up about ideas and thoughts, and wanting to get to know new people. They have not let these fears develop.

I am no entrepreneur myself but what I do know is that conquering fears and pushing failure out of your thinking can really open doors and help greatly with personal development.

You are right – more people should “Go and Fail”. Why not? We only get one shot as this.

Rob

Def agree…anyone can dip their tow in and do a good job of it which is dead exciting.

If not them, all someone needs is a mate who is good behind (or in front!) of the camera. Simples…

thanks
lex

I’m really looking forward to what happens with video over the next coupe of years – going to be exciting times.

Thanks again, Al

love the post and glad you included the important caveat about getting the pros in.

For me, in addition to SEO benefits, video marketing is all about what’s behind the camera (i.e. the videographer’s experience/knowledge/ability to frame things/creative input – basically their ability to ‘direct’ what’s in front of the camera).

DIY works – creative types and biz owners can do a cracking job – but for the less funky peeps out there, DIY just doesn’t compare to using the pros when it comes to bringing things alive.

Higher cost yes, but not only is the end result a quality product, you then have carte blanche to create total value with it by uploading to your youtube channel as you mention; embedding in your homepage / website / newsletter / blog for real impact; spread it through SM etc etc.

We were all blown away by Hill Tribe media’s (www.hilltribe.tv) take on the 2010 Exeter food fest (here on home page – http://www.exeterfoodanddrinkfestival.co.uk) which you saw at the biz leaders forum doo the other day.

Encapsulates everything we could have hoped for and, for added offline value, I’ve now successfully used the results to send as DVD to media / sponsors / exhibitors and suppliers. What better way to taking them from visitors and fans to advocates!?!?

Cracking result all round thanks to the power of video marketing!

cheers
lex