How to be successful after failure

Are you aware that Failure Day is on 13th October? It was founded in 2010 by students in Finland who encourage everyone to view failures as set backs and steps towards success. I love the concept of reframing failure; rather considering it a disaster, but as part of the overall journey we have in life.

Throughout my whole working life I have had lots of ‘failures’ and disappointments: being rejected for opportunities I really wanted; certainly roles when I was an opera singer; pitching for business which I didn’t get. Yet, I am still here! And I have learnt so much during this process.

The world is full of talented people who have failed and then become successful. Here are some examples:

J.K.Rowling - before she was the world famous author of the Harry Potter and more recently the Strike novels, she was a struggling single mother living on welfare. Her manuscript for the first Harry Potter book was rejected 12 times before a publisher finally gave her a chance. Rejection didn’t define her.

Steve Jobs - in 1985 he was ousted by Apple - the company he co-founded. It was devastating for him but also led to the creation of his next venture, NeXT and the acquisition of Pixar - which would go on to make history in the film industry. Eventually he was re-hired by Apple and under his leadership, the company became one of the most valuable companies in the world. His setbacks led to even bigger successes.

Dame Vivienne Westwood - the iconic late fashion designer struggled with poverty and rejection before finding success. Her early collections were not well received and she was often ridiculed and dismissed for her unique style. However, she persevered and became one of the most influential figures in British fashion. She played a key role within the punk style and continued to innovate and influence throughout her career. She never let these setbacks influence her.

The wonderful Elizabeth Day broadcasts the How to Fail podcast here https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/how-to-fail-with-elizabeth-day/id1407451189 ?

And here are some inspirational quotes about failure:

“ It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all - in which case, you fail by default”. JK Rowling.

“ 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 (Former USA Basketball player)

“Failure is success in progress”. Albert Einstein

“ Failure is not the opposite of success; it’s part of success”. Arianna Huffington

I could go on! If you avoid failing you are not going to move forward.?

I do know, however, that there are people who so fearful of failure; perhaps it was made into a massive drama as a child or adult. Certainly I had one boss gave you the impression the world had come to an end with any tiny error….?

So it is useful to share these tips for learning and recovering from failure or disappointment:

1. Embrace the lesson, not the loss.

Every failure carries valuable insights. Reflect on what went wrong without focusing on the negative emotions. Ask yourself: what can I learn from this experience? Treat failure as feedback rather than a final judgement. People who bounce back after failure often view setbacks as opportunities for growth, making them more resilient for future challenges.

2. Take responsibility and move forward.?

Owning your part in the failure empowers you to change course. Acknowledge what you could have done better, but don’t dwell on it. Shift your focus to what actions you can take next. This forward-thinking mindset helps you regain momentum and confidence; enabling you to build a new path to success.

3. Redefine Success.

This is a powerful tip. Success is not linear and failures do not define your worth. The most successful people often have a flexible definition of success. Instead of seeing failure as the opposite of success: view it as part of the journey. By reframing your expectations and maintaining a positive attitude you set yourself up for a more fulfilling and sustainable sense of accomplishment.

I would like to invite you to an online event on Celebrating your Flops and Learnings on 10th October at 12 pm BST. We will share our flops and learn from each other. You can register here https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ArJoYqRGRH-cRCdyqgMULg#/registration

I always love to speak to people; if you have any queries or would information about any of the services we offer, please feel free to

book a call https://link.lemonadeplan.com/widget/appointment/superstarcommunicator/15m-chat ?

Until next time,

Best wishes

Susan

Thank you very much for continuing to support the SuperStar Communicator newsletter.?

About the author:

Susan Heaton-Wright is the founder and creator of the SuperStar Communicator? methodology; international speaker, facilitator, coach, former international opera singer and podcaster.

Susan is best known for empowering emerging leaders all over the world to speak and communicate with clarity, confidence and credibility; through her speeches, by facilitating masterclasses and workshops and by coaching talented individuals. Since 2020 she has delivered virtual masterclasses and workshops to attendees from more than 130 countries world wide and has won a number of awards for her work. She is currently creating AI learning options to increase the learning experiences for her clients.

She is curious for any changes in communication changes and especially in a technical world. Keeping the human element in communication is essential for the maximum impact! Susan co-hosts live streamed discussions with business leaders and is the co-host of the SuperStar Communicator Podcast.?

?Susan facilitates workshops - face to face and virtually on a range of topics:?

• Presentation Skills
• Public Speaking
• Assertiveness Skills
• Having difficult conversations
• Women in Leadership Communication
• How to Demonstrate Credibility
• How to be Positively Disruptive
• Networking Skills

These topics are also available as masterclasses.

I also coach talented people on being more impactful for career progression. Do contact me for more information on the one to one coaching services on communication skills I offer.

And as a speaker Susan delivers speeches on:

• How to demonstrate credibility
• Women in Leadership Communication
• Be a SuperStar Communicator: be seen, be heard, make an impact

Why not challenge your communication skills with our 30 Day planner. Purchase here.

When not working, Susan designs and sews her own wardrobe; surfs, swims and plays the viola in an orchestra. She fundraises for the Alzheimers Society, The Isabel Hospice and supports the St Albans PostBoxes Charity.

Why not connect with her on Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/susanheatonwright ?

If you wish to arrange a call: you can book here: https://link.lemonadeplan.com/widget/appointment/superstarcommunicator/15m-chat ?

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