Let’s face it, sometimes we all need something new right? Whether it’s a new car or simply a new toothbrush (or email format), it always feels good to get something new and make an informed decision to get it. I know what it’s like to need something new from life. A change can seem like the invigoration that you may need to finally give you that feeling of fulfillment you’ve been chasing for so long.
What I want to talk about today, however, is the skill/art of failing. So many people forget that nobody is perfect when they start anything and that’s what makes life worth living.  Now listen up here, because I’m about to drop some knowledge on ya. It’s through practice and a curiosity for what you’re doing that your passion and level of fulfillment grows.  Success is NEVER guaranteed, but I feel like a lot of people have it backward.  A lot of people believe that if they just pour their heart and soul into their passion, then they will find fulfillment. The problem is, you don’t find fulfillment, fulfillment finds you.
You see, Bro Jackson. The most successful people in the world all developed a great talent for what they do. Steve Jobs for his creativity, Warren Buffett for his discipline, Michael Jordan for base…excuse me, basketball…But there was one thing that they all had in common. In fact, it’s what all people that have found their way to the good life have in common.
You can say that the meat and potatoes of living the good life are obviously developing a skill and knowing WHAT you’re doing. But the gravy on top of your meatloaf is WHO you find along the way to help you. Michael Jordan had Phil Jackson and Dean Smith, two of the winningest coaches in basketball history. Warren Buffett had Benjamin Graham who was making something like $500,000 a year when he was 25 IN THE 1920’S! And Steve Jobs was buddies with Bill Gates, but he was mentored by a few people. Among them? George Lucas…
So what DO you ACTUALLY need?
Something new is not always what you need. Sometimes you just need a new way of doing things. Einstein once said, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.” I have no problem with you trying to achieve your goals on your own, but if you’re one of those people that just keeps trying the same thing and then gives up, saying that you aren’t supposed to be successful, then listen up.
It’s not that you’re not meant to succeed, it’s that you’re setting yourself up for failure. Most people, when they want to try something new, they want to jump from 0-100 (real quick). The problem with that is, they end up falling flat on their face because they try to do too much too soon.
Chillax man.
You’re allowed to fail, but take pride in your small victories too. Those are what build character and cement your place ahead of where you were the day before. Of course, it’s not going to be easy, but that’s why I said earlier that it’s good to have a coach or a mentor that can support you along the way.
If you ever think that it’s time for something new in life, don’t keep doing the same thing. Don’t hire an unprofessional professional. Find a coach or a mentor. As for a practical solution, whatever your goal is, say it’s toning your body and learning effective habits to keep it that way, find someone who’s done it before and maybe has 10 years or so more experience in the field than you. Nothing is ever a perfect solution, but you owe it to yourself to follow in the footsteps of greatness and grab the hand of a coach to lead you to the promise land.
Jerry “failing fine” Washington
P.S. So while I’m not exactly as knowledgeable and enlightened as the Dalai Lama, I do pretty well in guiding people like a sherpa to their fitness and personal goals in life. If you have any questions about fitness or want to pontificate the potentials of a particular life decision you’re about to make, feel free to leave a comment below. Talk soon…
