5 Things I Have Learned From Failure
Written by: Linda Flynn, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Failure, I believe, is something that many of us can carry shame around for many years, I remember so well that day I got my final exam results, knowing that I failed my exams and the shame that I felt around it all. I kept the details to myself and lied about it. From a very young age, I just never “got” school.
What if instead, we are encouraged to fail on a daily basis? This is something that I heard about from Sara Blakely, founder of SPANX’s when she was interviewed by Tony Robbins. Each day, Sara would come home from school as a young girl and her father would ask her, “What did you fail at today?” So for her, failure was something that she would feel excited about. She would run home and tell her Dad, Hey, I tried this today and I was awful at it! How amazing is that? Imagine that confidence that this instilled in her from a young age!
1. The “blindspot”
Admit that I have a “blindspot”! We all have them, right!? When I had my first business back in 2016, I felt a lot of shame because that business did not work out, and while I take all the life lessons from it, I have neglected to acknowledge that some of that fear is still in my body, and maybe holding me back now.
I was so “full of beans” that I was going around in circles, taking on clients and working with people because I was starting out, eager to please and, of course, needing the money! This basically leads me to have no boundaries in place, or lots of the time, I would end up listening and guiding clients around their “personal lives” I was a Virtual Assistant!
2. Ask for help!
This is something that I still need to remind myself that it is ok to do! What I have found from working for myself is, that anyone who is self-employed\entrepreneur, for the most part, is happy to help you out, especially for those who are starting out! So don’t be afraid to reach out to others for support, to collaborate, etc. The worst that can happen is that they will say no! every day is a learning day for me, and I love helping others and often ask others for help and guidance, including my audience!
3. Take a step back!
We can get so bogged down with working in our business that we don’t take that time out of our business. This is crucial. Do you have a clear vision for your business? Where do you want it to go? What does your ideal day look like? Many people leave their 9-5 job to have more “freedom,” only to realize that they are working all hours of the day and night! Get super clear of what exactly it is that you want!
4. Stay true to your purpose and you're why!
Why do you want to make this change? If you are trying to build a business, lose weight or make any change in your life, always bring it back to your Why.
5. Trust your Gut Feeling
I talk about this a lot, and for many years didn’t listen to mine, that little voice in your head, the feeling in the pit of your stomach, listen to it, it won’t lead you down the wrong path!
Love and laughter,
Linda.
Linda Flynn, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Linda is a Personal Empowerment and Confidence Coach. She is a certified life coach and NLP Practitioner. Linda works with Female Entrepreneurs & CEO's helping them overcome their limiting beliefs, leaving behind imposture syndrome increasing their self-confidence so that they can step into their true power and potential.
