Something  has been bothering me lately… And today we’re going to talk about failure…

As I mentioned in my previous article, I speak to lots of entrepreneurs every day (and those pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams).

First and foremost, it’s in my DNA to want to help. I genuinely love helping others, and take pride in being “the guy” that others turn to.

However… I’ve noticed a concerning trend:

I’m being put on a pedestal.

Let me explain.

The conversations usually consist of them congratulating me on my success, talking about what they want to do, and me encouraging them… But it often feels like they’re discounting who they are as people because they haven’t “made it” in their own eyes.

…Because they aren’t living their dream lifestyle, they believe that somehow this makes them less of a person.

And the thing is, I get it…

For a long time, I felt the need to prove myself and measure up – because in my head, I was coming up short.

There are two things wrong with this:

1. We are not defined by our failures. We are defined by our attitude towards our failures.

Billionaire Richard Branson even said:

“We’ve never been 100% sure that any of the businesses we’ve started at Virgin were going to be successful, but over 45 years, we’ve always stood by our motto: ‘Screw it, let’s do it.’ While this attitude has helped us build hundreds of companies, it hasn’t always resulted in success.”

And when he fails, he learns what he can from his mistakes and moves on (fast!).

Heck, Branson even said, “if it wasn’t for those first few failures, the future success would never have happened.”

That’s why it’s important to not be afraid of failing for fear of looking dumb, feeling inadequate, or being less “cool” to friends and family.

In order to fully grow, we must be willing to step outside our comfort zones, to feel kinda dumb and out of place…

Even Predictable Profits founder, Charles Gaudet, teetered on the brink of bankruptcy before he founded his first multi-million dollar business.

2. I’ve failed – a lot.

I get this notion that people believe (since I’ve had some success) that I’ve never failed before.

…That as smart individuals, you’ve either “got it” or you don’t.

…That all of the entrepreneurs who have had “success” are different, and that they’ve amassed this level of success virtually overnight. In other words, they believe it came easy.

Now look, I certainly love my life. I really do. I don’t feel like I have to measure up to anyone anymore… But it wasn’t always this way.

And that’s because I’ve changed my mindset.

I’ve been told “no” over 100 times this past year, but every SINGLE “no” pushed me that much closer to a “yes” (which has happened a lot too).

You see, we’re not capped at who and where we are. No one, and I mean no one, is an expert right away.

To give you an idea of the times where I felt out of place, like I had to struggle, or that I didn’t belong…

Check this out:

• • My Dad died at 3 – I was the only boy in the neighborhood without a Dad

• • I always felt awkward or out of place in school, sports, and other “father” events

• • I never had many friends

• • I failed several classes in HS

• • I failed several more in College

• • I can remember having $5-$6 in my account, and having to go another 2-3 days before making more money

• • I had one manager tell me he was going to fire me because at that point, I was a terrible employee

• • During my first speech on stage, I froze – I literally stood there for 5 minutes, not remembering my next line

• • My first entrepreneurial venture was a miserable failure

• • I had investors laugh at me pitching my first venture

• I lived at my GF’s Mom’s house for almost 2 years to make this dream happen

And we did.

I wasn’t sure when – but I knew I would one day build a 7-figure business (and I did) – but it wasn’t because of skill or luck.

It was the belief that it could be done, that I was improving every day.

…That despite every setback, there were triumphs to celebrate as well.

And you know what? I still have moments where I feel uncomfortable. Purposely.

I’m still told “no” every day. I constantly feel like I’m a fish out of water, pushing myself to grow and adapt.

…But I know that where I am doesn’t dictate where I’m going.

Our success (or lack thereof) does not dictate who we are as individuals. It doesn’t determine our intelligence.

Just because you might think you’re business isn’t where it should be right now, rest assured that with the right attitude and guidance, you can do it.

The first step is to believe it’s possible.

Sincerely,

Zach

P.s. Do you believe your past failures are affecting your business today? Do you sense your current mindset is keeping your from reaching new levels of success (or happiness)? You’re not alone — I know how you feel.

Let me help you. I’m happy to hop on a call. You can schedule something here.