Failing Toward Success
Like I do every evening, I was reading “As a Man Thinketh” before bed last night. It was the part about where you focus your thoughts on the objective set before you and making this your purpose. But the real key was about failure…
In the book James Allen states, “Even if he fails again and again to accomplish his purpose (as he necessarily must until weakness is overcome), the strength of character gained will be the measure of his true success, and this will form a new starting point for future power and triumph.”
And how true is that in our business!
Do you really get that? You see it’s not about avoiding rejection. It’s about embracing rejection, knowing that you are doing a number of things:
First, you’re getting through the people that aren’t open and getting closer to those that are. Second you’re building character. And finally you are honing your skills, which will make the process of the first two easier.
The opposite of success is not failure; it’s mediocrity. Failure is actually part of the process of success. And to reach true success in our profession (or any profession worth doing) – you must be willing to pay that price. The price of building skills and character.
So how you doing on this?
-RG
Great lesson! I try to keep in mind that they are saying NO to themselves, not me.
It’s not my job to convince anyone, only to show them a better way and IF they are a good prospect, then to invite them to join our team. 🙂
Well said, David.
In another great book, “The Millionaire Next Door” I read that the vast majority of millionaires own their own business. What better business to own than a Network Marketing business? Thank you, Randy, for your continued inspiration!
Linda in Seattle
Thanks! when i get rejection- i treat as someone did not understand me, as everyone has a day to realize the potential!
cheere
Hey Rndy Gage
About the falure, in the ebook “As a Man Thinketh”.
We need to fail in order to learn.Everyone got some
rejections in his life and the some people overcome
xn it and move on.
Great post Randy.
I would say for myself that I move through stages of this. I push through certain obstacles and challenges to reach new heights and success. Then I hit one that cuts deep and maybe even kick me back a bit and make me refelct on this more to overcome.
Thanks again for all that you do.
Make it a great day!
God Bless,
-ed
Hi Randy,
How many times can we hear it? It is not how often you fall, it is how many times you get back up.
Love it
MJ
Randy I have had times when everyone said yes. [An exhilarating three years of 97%+ close rate was me being in the zone unconscious.] I have had other long periods of time where the ‘yes’ were much more frequent than the ‘no’. Somewhere along the way I picked up a bad habit. The mantra, “Some will, some won’t, next.” while it may have began with good intentions actually has done more damage to this industry than good in my view.
I have operated from knowing there is an unlimited prospect source sorting, sifting and burning my way through far too many good people with ‘next.’ On good days I viewed it from a catch and release standpoint. The number of exposures someone must have before they buy, enroll, commit is somewhere over 4 and as many as two dozen or more. I justified my interaction exposures thinking they might make the difference for someone else. Keeping them on my list instead and staying in touch over time was not a priority. It happened but usually as an afterthought or accident.
When I get klutzy around a ball I know I must watch for the spin on the ball allowing everything else to run its course. When I do that it shifts my relationship to the ball and hitting, catching, kicking suddenly happens effortlessly. I have gotten klutzy in my prospecting. The spin of the ball here may be instead of ‘next’ as in good bye, good riddance, a may I add you to my contact list? Can we talk again in a few months? What are you looking for? When would be a better time for you? How may I be of assistance? …
Michael Eisbrener,
Good point. There are some people that I would say next to but most prospects that I get back to later see a stick to it part of me that re-attracts them to me in some way. I have built a large group of business acquaintances because I am still in the game and I let them know that. That’s leadership and strength of character and conviction. Right on.
Good point! I believe some people need that guidance, and some times tough love before they commit themselves to the business which is the beatiful thing about this business. At the same time the sorting process must also take place. It’s finding that balance where we know someone just need sa little help, as oppose to working with someone who really doesn’t want to work with you.
Wow! “The oposite of success IS mediocrity.” Each no is a lesson learned. You can’t know success until you have learned the ( on-the-job ) lessons. This is the essence of our business and what separates the achievers from the want to be’s. Randy your statement is profound. There is simply no getting around it. You must do the work, learn the hard lessons, and for those of us who have endured the anxiety to get where we are, would it be as satisfying to get there any other way?
I think as we grow our businesses we are not having times of failure, we are learning ways of how not to do one particular step in the process, whether that is prospecting, following up or closing.
We are always learning and improving ourselves, if not we are just setting still and might as well get back to the kool-aid and chips on the couch, lol
Also … I try to hold on to the notion that if I take care of my responsibility (share my offer with honesty & enthusiasm) each of my prospects will be free to make the best decision for themselves at the time.
I might not agree, but heck, who am i to dictate the path someone else chooses.
If their path takes a turn back … I’ll be there!
Yes Randy, as usual, a great lesson!
It is clear for me this: failure is a part of the process…it will balance my mind in my way to success. It is like the opposition’s role in a democracy.
This is a very good way to see rejection and I completly agree
thanks for sharing
Sincerely,
Sergio Ervini
Totally agree, we build strength and character through our failures. Failures are just stepping stones to success.
Great post Randy. In our movie you said something that I loved, “Failure teaches us who we have to become…” It is so true. I have learned so many great lessons (failures!) that have helped shape my business and ME, personally. I look at all of it as a great adventure!
Very insightful post Randy…. I read “Failing forward” by John Maxwell … same concept….
Ola
Honestly, this post by Randy and all your comments came in handy yest. I was almost discouraged then I remembered this post, Failing toward Success, It just comforted me to know that its part of the game.
Thank u all.
” Organizes, follows-up, and keeps prospects primed and engaged, even when YOU don’t!