Failure Creates the Path to Success

“I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. Twenty-six times I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over again in my life...”

Yikes. Pretty depressing stuff right? Feeling sorry for this poor guy?

Spare your pity.

Here comes the perspective:

“…and that is why I succeed.” -Michael Jordan

Failed efforts often lead to successes that inspire.

You miss a priceless opportunity when you edit failures out of your story. People who look up to you want to connect with you. They want to relate to you. They want to know you are human.

You don’t need to be perfect; you need to be real.

We all fail.  When we are down, the thing we need most is the belief that we have the strength to get back up and keep fighting.

Let the unedited version of your story inspire those around you. Admit your failures. Own them as part of your legacy.  You never know who you might be helping back up.

Who inspired you when you needed it the most?