What Successful People Know

Failure leads to successNo one likes to fail.

No one likes the feeling of failure, that lead rock deep inside your gut weighing you down. And for a long time, I was afraid of failure. This was because I didn’t understand what successful people know.

What successful people know is that failure doesn’t have to be the worst thing. It doesn’t have to ruin us or break us. In fact, the incredibly beautiful fact about failure is that it is as much a part of success as hard work, as talent, as passion, and drive. Failure is actually a huge piece of the success puzzle. It’s just that most people never recognize it. The sooner we realize that failure is just one part of the road to success, the sooner we can learn from our failures, get back on track, and grow. This is what it means to have a Growth Mindset.

After reading “Mindset” by Carol Dweck I was amazed at how differently I was able to look at failure.

To see failures as opportunities for learning, the chance to stretch and grow. To know that it’s okay to make mistakes as long as you get back up and try again. The road to success doesn’t end with a success or a failure. The road to success is full of failures that allow you to learn, grow, and eventually reach success. What failures can you look back on and embrace as part of your journey to success?

Path to Success



4 comments on “What Successful People Know

  1. Nancy Jo Mannix

    Your post and thoughts about Carol Dweck’s “Mindset” came at a GREAT time for me. I’ve just signed up to be part of a PLC where we are going to take a deep dive into this book! I look forward to the new learning and thinking that will be generated from the rich discussions. Have you read Costa and Kallick’s “Learning and Leading with Habits of Mind”?

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  2. Star Johnson

    I will never forget your example about your daughter learning to walk. We did it when we were a ~year old, why not keep trying now “to walk”. This also makes me think about all the paths and attempts it took me to get my bachelors. I did grow and it made me a better student in the end. Thanks for that! You just changed my weekend.

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    1. Amanda Schaffer

      Oh my gosh Star, you are so sweet! My little Sophia is now running every where and she still gets up every time she falls with even more gusto and excitement, if that’s possible!! I’m so glad you could relate and what an example you can be for your students as someone who took many paths to find your success. Thank you for sharing and thank you for making my week 🙂

      Reply
  3. Amanda Schaffer

    Oh Nancy I am so glad to hear this! I have not read that book but now I am definitely going to check it out! I know you will really enjoy your deep dive into Carol Dweck’s book and I look forward to chatting with you more about it! Thanks for sharing, I am so blessed to work with such amazing teachers!!

    Reply

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