Keys to Failure
Let me first ask permission to brag for a second. Okay, thank you.
My name is Mackenzie Stogsdill, and I have failed at so many things. I have burned meals. I caught a microwave on fire once. I have said "You too" when a waiter says to enjoy my meal. I failed tests. I failed classes. I was not in the top 10% of my graduating class. I have went for a hug that was intended to be a handshake. There were jobs that I did not get. Heck, I have even been fired! I have failed in many ways.
I know. That is awesome, right?
I mean that with full sincerity. Failing is the coolest and most rewarding experience. True, you feel defeat for a second, but I have learned a million more lessons from failing than I ever have from succeeding.
After reading an article this week (Click here) and talking to coworkers about what makes people successful, I have learned a lot about perspective.
Many would equate success with a myriad of factors. Are they rich? Do they have a nice home? Did they take a great vacation last year? Are they a CEO?
But honestly, what makes a person successful is satisfaction. Are they doing something everyday that they love to do? Are they helping people? Do they feel fulfilled?
Looking at your own life, would people think you are successful? This does not mean that you are in a position of power or that you have authority, but do people think you are satisfied? Do people see you smiling more than frowning? Do people see you helping more than begging? Do you feel blessed more than feel self-pity?
For me, I feel the happiest when I can look back on mistakes or failures and be proud. When I can be thankful for the obstacles and roadblocks that were put in my path that got me to where I am today, I am happy. In the moment, these obstacles or roadblocks might be something you feel like you have to overcome, but it honestly might be a sign for a left-turn.
Something I may have considered a failure in the past was business school. I STRUGGLED in classes. I thought I was supposed to be successful there. Just because you are not flourishing does not mean there is something wrong with you; it might mean you are not in the right spot. If you put a beautiful tree in a desk chair, it would die. If you put a fish in a desk chair, it would die. Likewise, I was in a program that I thought I had to ace in order to be successful. I have learned that success is not about A's or paychecks or awesome resumes (although, it does help), but about joy and passion for what you do. While I am in more of a business school kind of job today, I did not have to take four accounting courses to get here. I did have to leverage my media degree in unique ways to get the position I have, but looking back, I am thankful for the classes that I took because I enjoyed them more.
So instead of bragging about all of the great things you have done, brag about all of the amazing failures you have had. Be thankful for your left-turns.
"Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” -Author Unknown
My name is Mackenzie Stogsdill, and I have failed at so many things. I have burned meals. I caught a microwave on fire once. I have said "You too" when a waiter says to enjoy my meal. I failed tests. I failed classes. I was not in the top 10% of my graduating class. I have went for a hug that was intended to be a handshake. There were jobs that I did not get. Heck, I have even been fired! I have failed in many ways.
I know. That is awesome, right?
I mean that with full sincerity. Failing is the coolest and most rewarding experience. True, you feel defeat for a second, but I have learned a million more lessons from failing than I ever have from succeeding.
After reading an article this week (Click here) and talking to coworkers about what makes people successful, I have learned a lot about perspective.
Many would equate success with a myriad of factors. Are they rich? Do they have a nice home? Did they take a great vacation last year? Are they a CEO?
But honestly, what makes a person successful is satisfaction. Are they doing something everyday that they love to do? Are they helping people? Do they feel fulfilled?
Looking at your own life, would people think you are successful? This does not mean that you are in a position of power or that you have authority, but do people think you are satisfied? Do people see you smiling more than frowning? Do people see you helping more than begging? Do you feel blessed more than feel self-pity?
For me, I feel the happiest when I can look back on mistakes or failures and be proud. When I can be thankful for the obstacles and roadblocks that were put in my path that got me to where I am today, I am happy. In the moment, these obstacles or roadblocks might be something you feel like you have to overcome, but it honestly might be a sign for a left-turn.
Something I may have considered a failure in the past was business school. I STRUGGLED in classes. I thought I was supposed to be successful there. Just because you are not flourishing does not mean there is something wrong with you; it might mean you are not in the right spot. If you put a beautiful tree in a desk chair, it would die. If you put a fish in a desk chair, it would die. Likewise, I was in a program that I thought I had to ace in order to be successful. I have learned that success is not about A's or paychecks or awesome resumes (although, it does help), but about joy and passion for what you do. While I am in more of a business school kind of job today, I did not have to take four accounting courses to get here. I did have to leverage my media degree in unique ways to get the position I have, but looking back, I am thankful for the classes that I took because I enjoyed them more.
So instead of bragging about all of the great things you have done, brag about all of the amazing failures you have had. Be thankful for your left-turns.
"Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” -Author Unknown
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