Yesterday I talked a bit about why businesses fail but the failure I’m addressing today is more about outlook, perspective or interpretation.

What is failure really? That you tried something and it didn’t work?

In our pursuit of success we catastrophize failure every step of the way yet each labeled failure is a stepping stone or maybe a learning stone where we can pivot with new knowledge and move forward.

Instead of taking imperfect action, we fool ourselves into thinking that if we wait long enough, we will finally amass the steps that would take us easily towards or intended destination. We are on the lookout for what is essentially fool’s gold: something that appears valuable but is in fact worthless.

The real gold lies within. Many may think this is corny. I’ve always felt that we all have what it takes to be prosperous. You may think that I am supporting a communist approach but this is not so. I actually think that our uniqueness paves the way for each of us to contribute and earn accordingly, deciding for ourselves how we choose to define and measure our success.

I am queen of playing it safe, which is why I am writing about it. Don’t do it. Stop believing that what you want for yourself is impossible for you. Start taking imperfect action. Take some time to get as clear as you can and then take the first step. Once you’re ready to take another step, trust that you will get that ounce of wisdom and a way will present itself.

Stories of success are seductive because someone has reached a goal and you’re reading parts of how they got to where they got to in X amount of time. Let these stories inspire you to move but never for one minute assume that you’ve been told everything. Don’t put yourself down because you’re starting at a different place. Your less is someone else’s more. The world is not equal and we aren’t meant to follow one path to living joyfully.

Celebrate YOU! Be YOU! Express YOU by taking that step you’ve been hesitating to take…TODAY!