I turn 40 in a couple of weeks. Unfortunately I don’t have sufficient funds to bag myself a sports car and embark on a full blown mid-life crisis. Instead I’ve taken a few moments to reflect on my 40 years and started swimming a few lengths a couple of times a week.
On reflection I think, as a ‘younger’ man the fear of failure was the single most restricting aspect of my life. It can be absolutely paralysing, you’ll know if you’ve ever suffered from it yourself.
The thing about failing is that it’s very common and if treated correctly can be a source of encouragement and character development.
There are some great examples from history.
Abraham Lincoln’s first business as the owner of a dry goods store was a flop. He was later appointed postmaster in his township and had the worst efficiency record in the United States.
Franklin D. Roosevelt began his career in public service after flunking out of Columbia Law School. He then decided to run for governor of New York.
Dwight D. Eisenhower was rejected three times for command positions before being appointed Supreme Allied Commander in 1942.
Harry Truman opened a hat and shirt shop at age 35 that went bankrupt after just two years. Truman worked 15 years to pay off the debt.
The bible helps us here:
Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
Romans 5 v 3-5
It is on this character, hand in hand with the hope it produces that God builds.
So rather than allowing the fear of failure to cripple you, accept it with humility and grow in character and hope.
Hi mate,
I agree with your comments, I see the fear of failure so much in my work place. In so many aspects of life we are ‘expected’ to get it right first time, parenting, at work etc that it cripples us from taking on some exciting challenges that God has in store for us. So often we forget that as people we are experiencial learners and therefore we can learn from our mistakes. I can see from the targets set at work that we are expected to ‘hit the bullseye’ on the first attempt. People are scared of messing up they don’t even have a go. Anyway I think that’s enough or I’ll be accused of preaching!!!
You might not be able to bag the sports car but at least you don’t have to buy the obligatory chest wig!!!!!!
February 4, 2009 at 7:47 pmHey Andy, great post.
Notice how all the above men who failed were American?
I reckon the US has a different cultural view of failure than does the UK. It’s more an accepted part of life there and can be the spring board for future success.
Over here failure is often seen as a confirmation that you are an idiot, a view you and those around you probably held all along anyway.
Pass me a slice of that American pie, please.
February 17, 2009 at 10:22 pmHi Andy,
March 2, 2009 at 8:33 amLove the new design of your blog. Looks really good. Hope you have a great fortieth. The years you have put in to serving the churches have all been a wise investment. The years you are yet to put in are also well directed. Eternity will show it.
By the way, I thought Al’s comment was really spot on too – picking yourself up again and making things work is so much a part of the romance of US heroism.
Well done Andy.
Lex
Did you take those quotes from somewhere? Make sure that you cite them!
May 6, 2009 at 8:35 pm