Why Failure Is the First Step to Success?

Turning failure into knowledge is the first step to succeed in life?

Don’t be a short basketball player

Michael Jordan, one of the biggest basketball players in the world, was rejected by his high-school varsity team at Laney High School in North California for the simple fact that he was too short for playing with the group. His reaction? Desvastaded… “Still his dreams come true?”

Jordan’s high-school rejection was a decisive moment where he decided to focus on practicing even more. “Maybe he could be so good that he could join the high-school varsity team even being 5’10’’ (1.77m).

Instead of being paralised by his frustation, instead of quitting basketball, he decided to work hard at the junior varsity team to practice his skills even more. He practiced before class in the morning and hooked up his ball’s hability, and he learned with each mistake.

Actually Jordan had a peak of growth over the summer - but he wouldn’t be the G.O.A.T (Greatest Player of All Time) if he had gave up when he was considered short. Think with me, how much tall guys reach the top at basketball? Not even a half.

That’s why Michael Jordan is an example of dedication.

I’ve failed over and over in my life, that’s why I succeed. — Michael Jordan

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Failure is not the problem, inaction is.

I remember doing presentations at school - talking to people was always a problem to me - one day I realized that if I didn’t do anything, the fear of public wouldn’t dissappear magically. I took the opportunity in each teamwork to talk with people, each presentation was turning better and I finally lost that fear.

Take action! Of course, first steps will be harder but continue. If I had let the fear take over I wouldn’t even be writing this newsletter. Learn with each new presentation, opportunity and people.

I will fail, but f*** it, I’m gonna learn!

Be responsible!

Courage, action, that mentality of being ahead failure, none of these things means that you don’t have to care about others well-being.

Attention for not being the annoying guy!

Look, when I mean that failure is part of the process I’m not glamorizing fail. I’m saying that you need to learn with the mistakes and not search for them purposely.

Imagine if Superman, with all of his power, decided to save people carelessly, ignoring the damage he caused to cities or the lives he disrupted along the way? Even heroes need to act responsibly, considering how their actions impact others.

The same applies to us. Taking action (and possibly failing) doesn’t mean to be careless or inconsiderate. True courage comes with accountability. It’s about finding the balance between audacity and respect for those around you.

Being the “annoying guy” who takes over everything without thinking of the team isn’t courage; it’s selfishness. Take care and work with respect.

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Closing thoughts

Michael Jordan didn’t give up when life told him “no”. He worked hard, learned and grew (literally and figuratively).

In the same way, we’ll fail over and over and we’ll learn with the mistakes to make it better.

What’s stopping you from taking the first step today? Failure? Fear? Remember, every step forward is a step closer to success.

I recommend reading my newsletter about “Why Successful People Make Stupid Things”

Thanks for reading, see you next week!

Create more, stress less.