It's so hard to admit failure. I have a friend who talked about opening a restaurant for years. We'd drink beers together throughout the years and he always went to the same subject - his place, his restaurant. The food, the layout and his bar. He had the recipes and his head cook, he had already picked, would execute his dishes with perfection and crowds of patrons would rush to his beautiful place. He eventually opened that place and it lasted just over a year.
I was with him after that and asked how he felt about it and his answer was perfect - I did it. It wasn't about why it failed, how it wasn't his fault, or anything of the sorts. It was a simple statement, I did it. I had so much respect for his simple short 3 word response. I walked away learning something having that conversation. So many times we want to blame it on something or someone but there's times, maybe it comes with age that you accept the facts. I failed but at least I did it, I tried.
I have a whole book of failures. I am at the age where I ask myself, what did I learn from those experiences. The answer, I learn lessons and quickly grasp what not to do regarding certain aspects of business and relationships. I am at the place where I can see the positives of my failures. Although I have failed at so many things I never waiver from the fact that I shall succeed at what I'm supposed to do.
I know that I can make a call to anyone, I can structure deals and I am strong. I know that no matter what I can make it another day and I have hope. I am intelligent and I get invited to places where my opinion matters to people who matter. I have what every entrepreneur wants, individuals who will take my call on their cell phone and ho have the ability to move on an idea, concept, business venture. I can create excitement and pass my hope to others. I can still see or envision my road map. I have hope that I can create a better mousetrap.
Recently I've accepted that I am dysfunctional, but who isn't. I have a hard time being in any relationship - personal or business. I think that's because it was always my way but that isn't realistic. To have a well rounded life you have to be vulnerable. You can sacrifice, you have to give in and you have to know what battles to fight and which one's aren't worth fighting even if you think you're right. Unlike years before I don't have to be right. I don't like to fight anymore.
Instead of being right or ready to fight, I want to be invited to the party, be part of something, and have something to offer even if it's only my opinion or knowledge, Being confrontational or combative with only one side, your side, only shows one's ignorance. It guarantees you won't be invited to the next party, the next gathering.
My thoughts and my experiences are just that, mine. I can't judge anyone and I won't. I'll pick who I spend my time with but I won't judge. I might be a complete fool at somethings but I am smart enough to know that if I come up short I have no one to blame. I did it, and although I may have to fall down a dozen times before ever getting it right I'm still going to try my best at whatever I do, I'll do it so I can say I did it!
