PLEASE FAIL MORE

Most people in professional life who are still afraid of failure clearly have not failed enough.??They experience one or two setbacks, feel the judgment, pain, or embarrassment that comes with it – and they stop taking risks.??

Failing is a skill.??If you do it right, and often enough, you’ll get better at it.??

How often is often enough???At least one doozy every two or three years in my opinion.??I live by this idea.??In the last two years I’ve had two big failures.??I tried to launch an online paid coaching service that tanked fast.??I tried to write a novel for the third time and produced my third pile of literary junk.??After both incidents, I took some useful mental notes and then moved on to the next project.

In fact, that bad excuse for a novel inspired my next book effort – Dancing with Monsters (out April 18!).??A mistake became a learning moment (i.e., know what type of book you should be writing Todd).??Dancing with Monsters is the awesome result.??The characters in the book must learn from their mistakes in order to grow and succeed.??

I know it’s not easy.??I do respect that personalities vary and that failure hurts some more than others.??I have learned to let go of the stigma quickly.??For others, it’s extremely difficult.??Please allow me to validate you.??The horrible residue failure leaves on you is real.??Kinda.??It’s a mental residue.??You can choose to change, shape, and bend your mentality.??That’s what all successful people do.

So, when was your last good failure???If it’s been five years or more, I hope you’re enjoying your mediocrity.??Avoiding all risk and failure makes you safe not successful.??You just might be due for a nice new failure.??

Maybe it’s a new idea you wish to share and champion.??A degree you want to pursue.??A new role at work.??A project you wish to lead.??A possible career change.??Start small if you’d like.??Take aim at a simple process tweak and go do it.??You’re about to remember just how gratifying it is to simply try something new.??Grab that small win.??Then aim higher.

Put that process on repeat and eventually you will fail!??It’s inevitable.??It’s normal.??It’s ridiculously educational.??Make the choice to mourn your loss for a day or two maximum and then refocus on what there is to learn.??Wear it like a battle scar – never deny it or hide from it.??Be proud you tried and excited to try again.??Learn something and start plotting your next move.??

Don’t be afraid of failure.??Be afraid of never failing.??Success demands failure, so the sooner you start the better.?

TODD’S TIPS

If you believe in success you believe in networking.??That means, at least most of the time, you need to strike up a conversation when you are around people you don’t know.??For example, in the cafeteria at work, at the grocery store, sitting next to someone at your child’s sporting events, on an airplane, or even a long elevator ride.??Let me help.??Here are several easy ways to start that conversation.

Reference an event and ask if they are attending.

Ask them a simple question.?

Compliment them.

Ask for their opinion.

Just say, “I don’t think we’ve met.??I’m…”

Your network just expanded – you’re welcome!

Monsters:??The book does not launch until April 18, but I already have a client inquiring about a possible keynote!??As you will find out, the book mentions two well-known products, Dr. Martens and Ray-Bans.??I posted on Dr. Martens recently – huge response!??In case you missed it:??https://bit.ly/3Xw7pI8 .??Be on the lookout for one about Ray-Bans soon.

Speaking:??I’m excited to perform next week for Dallas College.??It’s a virtual talk for their annual professional development day with 1,000 or more estimated to be in the audience.??Almost time to Show Your Ink!

Courses:??So much to be happy about!??My course on pitching your ideas is now live in French.??My onboarding course just passed 100,000 users.??And… I just shot?four new courses in my home studio that are now in post with my team.??More on those later…

Until next time – go learn something, maybe help someone, or at least do something interesting!

Get your copy of Dancing with Monsters:??https://amzn.to/3tbdUTV

Watch Todd in action:??https://bit.ly/3EfcDSb

Book Todd:??https://bit.ly/3WHeRB0 ??

All my links in one place:??https://linktr.ee/drdewett .?