I have a bit of that first-born overachiever mentality about me (okay, maybe more than a bit) and do my best to avoid failure.
I almost didn’t start putting a linky with my weekly camera phone posts: What if no one participated? What if someone else was doing the same thing, only better? (with the number of blogs out there, that’s a given)
I recently poured my heart into a post that crept beyond my comfort zone, but seemed to go unnoticed. I felt a little naked hitting publish, but the words begged to be written and there was a peace in it and a valuable lesson learned: lack of praise or affirmation does not equal failure.
I’m currently reading Seth Godin’s Poke the Box
“This might not work”
Is it okay to say these four words?
Is your work so serious and flawless and urgent that each thing you do, every day, must work?
Change is powerful, but change always comes with failure as its partner. “This might not work” isn’t merely something to be tolerated; it’s something you should seek out.”
Does fear of failure stop you from possibly flying? It’s okay to fail. What’s not okay is never to try.
Wise words. The desire for perfection can cause paralysis so easily. For the last couple of years I’ve been trying to look in the mirror and say, “Today I will not be all I can be. I will, however, give ________ a shot and see how it goes.” Thanks for the post, Dawn!
“The desire for perfection can cause paralysis so easily.” You said it! (and you’re welcome) 🙂
My goodness, what a beautiful blog! I’ve just become aware of Hip Homeschool and would like to plug in to all you fantabulous mommies. My own homeschoolers are about to graduate with their BA’s this summer (one with a degree in Family History/Genealogy and one with a degree in Human Development). Both did it on scholarship and both are top of their departments at a major univeristy and both are going on for their Masters. Even more wonderful is that the oldest is having his first baby this summer (HAPPILY married 3 years) and the younger is marrying her best friend 2 days after her graduation! When we started homeschooling, I knew only too well that “it might not work” but finally jumped in with both feet. WE LOVED IT and I want to be a better evangelist and supporter of homeschooling families now that I have PROOF for everyone that it DOES work! Your post reminds me of an Oprah interview I saw with JK Rowlings this week. You know her story, I’m sure. One of the interesting things she said was that she found “rock bottom” a sure foundation for “success” and maintains that we don’t talk about “failure” ENOUGH. I like to write at my blog about my “failures” and how I learned from them to the benefit of younger women. If we all shared a little more that way – we might inspire one another even better than when we share only our successes.
Thank you for this reminder!! It was what I needed to hear. I tend to depend too much on people and what they can do for me, but taking a risk sometimes means I won’t be understood. But that is ok…and it’s where we grow!! (= Good words and as always, great pictures!
Mona, thank you for visiting. I love your story! We have two in college now; one just got home from his freshman year. What a great idea that rock bottom is a sure foundation for success. 🙂
Now I understand your comment about Hip Homeschool Moms. I didn’t realize I was being featured on their site until after I read your comment. 🙂
Ruby, thank you for the feedback. Risks are scary sometimes, aren’t they?
Love it~!
So WHAT
if
I
fail??????
Thanks, Dawn!
Happy I came upon this item, it presented some worthy ideas and I look forward to checking back in the future, to read what other folks are stating on the matter.