I saw a video this week that stopped me in my tracks.
Denzel Washington was talking about failure.
He said something so simple it almost sounds too simple to matter.
“If you don't fail, you're not even trying.”
Read that again.
He did not say failure is okay. He did not say failure is fun.
He said failure is proof that you tried.
Now think about that in your own life.
How many things have you not started because you were afraid they would not work?
How many ideas have you sat on because you did not want to look foolish if they failed?
I talk with people every day who have a lifetime of wisdom and experience.
They know exactly what they could offer.
They know exactly who they could help.
And they do nothing with it.
Not because they cannot do it.
Because they are afraid of failing at it.
And I understand that fear. I really do.
The idea of looking like a beginner is uncomfortable.
But here is what Denzel understands that most people miss.
The alternative to failing is not succeeding.
The alternative to failing is nothing.
No risk. No movement. No progress.
Just the same day repeated until it becomes the same year.
And that is the one failure that actually hurts.
Because that is the one you chose.
1. Failure means you moved. If you tried something and it did not work, you now know something you did not know before. That is not a loss. That is data.
2. The fear of looking foolish is the most expensive fear you have. It costs you more than any business mistake ever could because it keeps you from starting at all.
3. You already know how to fail. You have done it before. You survived. You learned. You kept going. That is not a weakness. That is a resume.
So here is my question for you.
What is the one thing you have been sitting on because you are afraid it will not work?
Not the whole plan. Just the first step.
Take it.
And if it fails, you will be in good company.
Hit reply and tell me - what is one thing you have been afraid to start?
To your success,
Charlie
P.S. If you find my daily newsletter helpful please consider recommending it to a few friends. Use this link so they can see what they will get.