“Do not be afraid to fail. And DO NOT be afraid to succeed. For those who say you’re thinking too big, be smart enough not to listen. For those who say the odds are too small, be dumb enough to give it a shot. And for those who ask, how can you do that? look them in the eyes and say, I’ll figure it out,”
Schmidt, CEO of Google from 2001 to 2011
We often encounter fears that hold us back from reaching our full potential in our day-to-day life, however, Eric Schmidt, former CEO of Google advices to conquer these fears and pursue our dreams with unwavering determination. Schmidt’s words remind us not to fear failure or success, to ignore the doubters, and to accept calculated risks and resourcefulness.
Can we follow five key points to convert Failure into Success?
Don’t fear failure or success:
Failure is often viewed negatively, but Schmidt urges us not to fear it. We firmly believe that failure should be seen as a stepping stone to growth and learning. Both are stepping stones. Failure is an inevitable part of growth and learning. Failure teaches valuable lessons, while success can be daunting if you’re not prepared. Don’t let people shrink our dreams. If someone tells me that my goals are unrealistic, it’s their limitation, not mine. It’s an essential part of the journey towards success.
Imagine a person is trying to learn how to ride a bike. He might fall a few times before he gets the hang of it. Each fall teaches him something—maybe how to balance better or how to steer more smoothly. He wouldn’t learn how to ride confidently without those falls. Therefore, instead of being scared of falling, he accepts it as part of the learning process.
Imagine a student who wants to become a scientist, she attempts an experiment that fails multiple times before finally she succeeds. Instead of being discouraged by her failures, she learns from each mistake and eventually achieve success. In fact, when she finally achieves her dream of becoming a scientist, she accepts the challenges that come with success, knowing that it’s a part of her journey.
Adopt Success with open heart:
Schmidt warns us against fearing success. Sometimes, the fear of achieving our goals can hold us back just as much as the fear of failure. Adopting success means believing in our abilities and not letting doubt hinder our aspirations.
A young entrepreneur dreams of starting their own business but hesitates due to the fear of failure. She takes the leap and start his venture with encouragement and belief in his abilities, she had. She accepts each milestone as a success, fueling her confidence to aim higher and achieve even more as her business grows.
Let’s say you’ve always wanted to start your own business, but you’re worried about what might happen if it becomes successful. You might be afraid of the extra responsibilities or the pressure to keep growing. Instead of letting that fear hold you back, imagine accepting the idea of success. You start believing in yourself, knowing that you can handle whatever comes in your way.
Ignore Pessimism:
There will always be people who doubt our abilities and discourage us from pursuing our dreams. Schmidt advises against listening to those who say our dreams are too big or our goals too ambitious. Indeed, critics will always exist, but it’s important not to let their skepticism discourage us. We should stay focused on our goals and prove the doubters wrong through our actions.
A promising artist faces skepticism from family and friends who doubts his talent and discourage him from pursuing a career in art. The artist remains determined and focuses on developing his skills despite the negativity. Eventually, his dedication pays off as he showcases his work in galleries and gain recognition, proving the doubters wrong.
Suppose Rajeev has a dream of becoming an artist, but some people around his says it’s not a practical career choice. They might tell Rajeev that he’ll never make it in the art world. Instead of letting their doubts discourage Rajeev, he decides to prove them wrong. Rajeev keeps working on his art, improving his skills, and eventually, he achieves success as an artist.
Take Calculated Risks in Life:
Schmidt encourages taking a leap of faith when faced with frightening situation. It’s okay to be “dumb enough” to try something despite the perceived slim chances of success. We believe that calculated risks are often necessary for progress and innovation. “Be dumb enough to give it a shot” doesn’t mean thoughtlessness. It means taking a chance even when the odds seem stacked against you, but with some planning and preparation. Success often requires a leap of faith and the willingness to push past our comfort zones.
Rajeev is a software developer. He has an idea for a revolutionary app but he is hesitant to pursue it due to the competitive market. Despite the odds, he meticulously researches the market, identifies potential challenges, and develop a solid business plan. Rajeev takes the risk and launch the app with careful consideration, which becomes a success due to its unique features and user-friendly interface.
Let’s say you have an idea for a new invention, but everyone tells you it’s too risky and that you’ll never succeed. You decide to give it a shot anyway instead of listening to their doubts. You do your research, make a plan, and take calculated steps to turn your idea into reality. Despite the odds, you take the risk, and finally, your invention becomes a huge success.
Figure it Out-What is out -What will be:
Many opportunities in life come with seemingly insurmountable odds. Schmidt emphasizes the importance of resourcefulness and resilience. The key is to maintain confidence and determination when confronted with challenges or doubts from others. We should commit to find solutions and imitating ahead. There will be obstacles. Don’t get discouraged. Develop a “figure it out” attitude and find solutions.
A single parent faces financial struggles while trying to provide for their family. Instead of giving up, they take on multiple jobs, budget wisely, and seek out resources such as community support and financial assistance programs. Despite the obstacles, they remain determined to provide a better life for their children and find solutions to overcome each challenge they encounter.
Suppose you’re faced with a difficult problem at work that nobody seems to know how to solve. Instead of giving up or waiting for someone else to figure it out, you take charge. You brainstorm different solutions, ask for help when needed, and keep trying until you find a way to solve the problem. Your determination and resourcefulness pay off, and you successfully overcome the challenge.
Resourcefulness:
Schmidt emphasizes the importance of resourcefulness and adaptability. When faced with challenges or obstacles, instead of being deterred by the question of “how,” we should have the confidence to say, “I’ll figure it out.” This mindset empowers us to approach problems creatively and find innovative solutions.
A recent college graduate faces difficulty finding a job in their field due to lack of experience. Instead of feeling defeated, they volunteer for internships, attend networking events, and seek mentorship opportunities. Through their resourcefulness and adaptability, they gain valuable skills and eventually secure a job in their desired field.
Imagine you’re planning a surprise party for a friend, but you realize you’re missing some key ingredients for the food you wanted to make. Instead of panicking, you get creative. You search for alternative recipes with the ingredients you have on hand, or you come up with a different menu altogether. Your resourcefulness ensures that the party goes off without a hitch, and everyone has a great time.
We believe that accepting failure as a learning opportunity, adopting a mindset of success, ignoring naysayers, taking calculated risks, and developing resourcefulness can surely help us to lead a successful life.
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