Learning to Win

 

(Two Minute Read)

They say failure is just another step in the learning process. Ted Turner, as owner of the Atlanta Braves, when asked during the teams rebuilding process, how he felt about all the losses incurred in the interim said, 

"we weren't loosing. We were learning how to win". 

All fine and dandy but it still doesn't make loosing and failing any easier. At least not to most people, me especially. 

My virtual mentor, Dan Miller, (48 days Podcast) brought up the subject when he read a letter from a listener who said "sometimes it's prudent for a person to quit wanting what they want because there comes a point of realization that the dream will never become a reality. Consistent failure leads to deep depression and one must come to the conclusion that loosers are a fact of life". 

Yikes!

Mr. Miller addressed this and, for me, the most meaningful point of  the conversation came when he suggested that if my business life isn't where I want it to be or is failing, then take a look at my personal life because the state of one's personal habits and practices are reflected in the business life. 

• How are my relationships? Do I have a date night with my spouse? Do I tell her I love her? Do I call my mother regularly? If not then I'm setting up my personal life for failure.

• How's my health? Do I eat badly? Junk food, processed food? Do I exercise? If I'm not living a healthy lifestyle then am I not setting up my health for failure?

• What are my personal finances like? Am I in debt? Do I impulse buy? Do I budget my money and stick to it? Do I save? If so, my personal finances are at risk of failure.

• There is also the question of my personal and spiritual development. Do I spend an hour a day reading quality books and articles? Do I have a period of personal devotion? If not, again, I'm setting myself up for failure in that area. 

• My personal habits also play an important role. Do I stay up late watching TV. Do I sleep late in the mornings? Do I indulge in useless, pointless online videos? If I'm not making good choices in my personal habits then I'm again setting myself up for failure. 

Mr. Miller chose 5 areas in ones life to help a person either finally succeed or come back from failure.

1. Loving relationships
2. Uncompromising integrity
3. A clear purpose
4. Vibrant health
5. Optimistic faith

We all make mistakes. We loose, we fail but as Robert Kiyosaki said in Rich Dad Poor Dad, an entrepreneur's job is to make mistakes. To make no mistakes is the job of an employee.  

Do you want to know how to be creative in your life and profession?

For a copy of Bob Doll's book Shut Up & Draw: A Journey to Creativity click here