Failure Is Not An Option

Far too many people live their lives with worry and doubt. They are afraid. What if it goes wrong? What if it doesn't work out? What if I don't get the job? What if my marriage fails? What if I really lose a lot of money on this business venture?

Of course, I certainly have no problem with planning and thinking things through, and considering your decisions. That is very necessary.

But how refreshing would it sound to use the phrase, "what if" in a positive sense, instead of the usual negative sense?

What if this goes right? What if this works out better than I thought it would? What if I get a great job? What if I have a very successful marriage? What if I make more money on this business venture than anyone ever expected?

Now that certainly is a refreshing point of view! In fact, try saying some of those things out loud and see what kind of gut reaction you get!

People use, "what if," in a negative sense when they are afraid of failing. Whether it's a new job, a business venture, getting married, having children, losing weight, learning a new skill, taking a new class, or anything else.

Many times, this fear of failing stops people from ever starting. People get frozen with fear and they either take no action, or, take action while expecting the worse. That is an absolute formula for failure.

Here's the key. Commit yourself before you start. By that I mean, make up your mind that failure is not an option. Let me explain.

Suppose you set out to learn a new language. At first, it's fun and exciting. But then, it becomes a little more difficult and challenging than you thought it was going to be. So you quit. People who quit often say, "I'm not going to do that anymore because I am no longer interested in it."

That's why you first need to be honest with yourself before you start something. Do you just want to learn a few words and phrases, or, do you really desire to learn the language? Why do you desire to learn the language? What are your reasons? Those are very important questions and only you know the answers.

Once you really think it through as to why you desire to do something, then make up your mind and commit to it. Make a decision up front, before you start, that failure is not an option.

Imagine if both the groom and his bride entered into marriage with the attitude of, failure is not an option! Then when there were challenges, they would both be committed to seeking solutions instead of bailing out of the relationship.

In counseling with married couples, I have asked the question so many times, "Are you willing to do whatever it takes to keep your marriage together? Because, if both of you are willing to do whatever it takes, then it can absolutely work out. If that means going to the moon and back, are you willing to do it?"

When failure is not an option, it means you are committed to doing whatever it takes to succeed. It's a lot like Cortez when his ship reached the new world. He burned those ships. There was no turning back.

So plan and think things through first. Consider why you are making the decision to do something. Make sure the reasons are clear in your mind before you start. Then, make up your mind that failure is not an option.

Having the attitude that failure is not an option will bring success to your life. Why? Having that attitude and mindset, regardless of the circumstances, will ensure that you find a way to succeed. There will be success if failure is not an option.

Worry and fear do not produce success, only failure. Refuse to be afraid. You can be successful when failure is not an option!

Far too many people live their lives with the fear of failure. Fear will not produce success, only failure. Refuse to be afraid. You can be successful when failure is not an option!

Michael A. Verdicchio is a husband, father, minister, author,and broadcaster. He has been the voice on numerous productions over the years. Michael has a free newsletter called, THE PEP LETTER, at http://www.christianinspirationalgifts.com/pepletter.html .

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