The Art of Failure

Part 1: Investing In Yourself

Starting your own business may be one of the most double-edged swords out there. On the one hand, you are filled to the brim with hope and excitement; anything seems possible as you venture out into uncharted territory on the quest to plant a new flag of establishment. On the other hand, it’s a terrifying experience, which can easily numb itself into more subtle sensations, such as doubt, apathy, depression, or just a lack of motivation. Where does that come from exactly? Simply, it comes from the fear of failure. If you fail, you can likely cost yourself time, money, inspiration, and even dignity. You could end up with nothing having come out of it. So what I want to penetrate into is that fear itself.

I want to talk specifically about losing. Nobody wants to lose at anything. It can be sports, it could be an argument or debate you’re having with someone, losing out to another person for a job, losing money, a relationship, etc. When you lose, it’s seen all too often through the eyes of incompetence. This is where the fear stems from. You aren’t good enough, and somebody else out there is better than you. You’re not worthy.

People even take losing at the casino personally, when much of gambling is a matter of chance or luck. When a losing streak strikes, many feel incompetent, become emotional, and withdraw…