How To Become Successful

This week I am in Vancouver working with a client. I am amazed at how Canadian people are approaching the world economy. They have become very conservative, but sense there is a global shift in the World economy. They see opportunities, instead of problems.  The main question that they are asking is, “How do I become successful?”

My answer? They need to fail. I have become a master at failing. As a society, we put so much pressure on becoming successful, most people think it is born out of the seeds of small victories. It’s not. It’s born out of devastating life events that bring you to the brink of total collapse.

Pushing the human body and mind to the outer limits of experience creates strength. Think about that statement. Are you operating within an environment in which you are playing it safe? Have you ever said; failure is not an option? If so, you may want to re-evaluate.

People have achieved more after failure and devastation than most people that have never had major life challenges. The strength that develops after devastation are the ingredients for success. Take these stats for instance:

1.    More Millionaires were created out of the strife of The Great Depression. (Are you  pumped up about the current economic woes or complaining about them?)

2.    Lance Armstrong went on to win 7 Tour De France’s after he was diagnosed with terminal cancer, including testicular and brain cancer. He simply willed himself to be a Champion after devastation. I have a feeling it changed his Health, once his mindset changed. (My second book, The Alchemy of Wealth talks about changing the Mind to change your physical world.)

3.    It is estimated that Thomas Edison failed 10,000 times in creating the light bulb, before he became successful.

My point is I want you to accept failure as fuel. That’s right, I said fuel. Most people think of failure as the end of the road. I want you to look at failure as a chance to get off the road, and create your own path. It’s the part of life that keeps us energized. Not knowing exactly what your plan is makes for a life of adventure.

Are you ready for an adventure or do you like the status quo? If you like the status quo, you will probably be afraid to fail. I have failed so many times in my life. That’s actually why you should listen to me(read middle of page). I have succeeded in failure and I have been blessed with a truly wonderful life.

Success is a measurable item. It’s not measured by the amount of material goods that we have, but rather the everyday feelings that we experience, both good and bad. Our society would rather have you be judged by what you wear, or drive, or live in, to measure success. It also rejects the benefits of failure. I say you reject what society has put together for you and you create your own destiny (or someone else will). For you to be successful you have to embrace the failures and re-define your journey and how it’s measured. When that’s your path, you’re already successful. Congratulations you loser!

“Remember, wealth has nothing to do with money, success has everything to do with failure, and life is as simple as you want to make it!” – John Dessauer