“Do not be afraid of failure but learn from it.” – John Wooden
IT’S A NEW YEAR; are you ready to fail? This is an important question. It can significantly influence your likelihood of success this year.
There is a difference between failing and being a failure. One is a singular event, and the other is a mindset. Anyone with any level of achievement will tell you that failing is a critical part of success. Your willingness to take a chance, embrace risk, and learn from your failing experiences will determine whether you are ready to be an achiever. I want to share a story that will help illustrate the power of a willingness to fail. It’s about a young man named Alex “The Comet” Carter, who was celebrated on the baseball diamond for his unparalleled skills and indomitable spirit.
Hailing from a small town in Texas, Alex grew up with a bat in his hand and dreams of the big leagues in his heart.
Despite his natural talent, Alex’s fearless approach set him apart. He was a hitter who wasn’t afraid to strike out. In the world of baseball, where statistics often overshadow the spirit of the game, Alex’s attitude was a breath of fresh air. He firmly believed every strikeout was a stepping stone to his next home run.
Alex’s journey to fame wasn’t without its challenges. Early in his career, he faced criticism for his high strikeout rate. Critics were quick to label him reckless, a player who swung for the fences without regard for strategy. But Alex remained undeterred. He knew the value of taking risks, of pushing the limits of what was possible on the baseball field.
His philosophy was simple yet profound: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” Alex lived by these words, embracing every at-bat as an opportunity to learn and improve. His resilience and willingness to fail taught him more about hitting than any textbook technique.
As seasons passed, Alex’s career flourished. He became known for his spectacular home runs, but more importantly, he became a symbol of perseverance and courage. His attitude taught young players that failure was not something to fear but to embrace as an integral part of success.
Off the field, Alex was just as impactful. He often spoke to young athletes, sharing his philosophy of embracing failure as a pathway to success. He encouraged them to take risks and learn from their mistakes.
Alex’s legacy extended far beyond his impressive statistics and the numerous records he set. He changed how the game was played, infusing it with a spirit of daring and adventure. He retired as one of the greatest hitters in baseball history, but more importantly, as a player who dared to fail. He had the resilience to bounce back and the heart to inspire.
Years after his retirement, Alex “The Comet” Carter was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. In his induction speech, he said, “Baseball is more than a game. It’s a life lesson. Don’t be afraid to swing and miss because those swings teach you how to hit life’s home runs.”
Our profession is in the midst of a turbulent time. The norms and conventions are changing, and the marketplace is driving these changes. This is not a time to play it safe and not take chances.
Will 2024 be the year that you swing for the fences?