Why it's better to fail than to quit

9 out of 10 A-students agree: quitting is safer because at least you won't FAIL. 

Failing is scary!

What's even scarier is the thought of failing, which is why most of us quit way before we're anywhere near actually failing. It's easier to head things off at the pass and save face. 

You stop promoting your workshop before the deadline or don’t go to that second job interview, because seeing it through puts you in the precarious position of everyone seeing you. If you succeed or fail is out there, and it’s uncomfortable.

Let's avoid any risk of that.

When asked in the past about my own quitting, I used to say, "I'd rather get it right or not do it at all."

What kind of leeway does that provide for trying new things and learning? The whole point of owning a business and leaping of any kind.  

If it's not clear why this is important, consider that taking the safe route, never approaching even the possibility of failure, means staying in an unfulfilling career. You could keep doing what you're doing for the rest of your working days and just being okay about it. Another A-student nightmare. 

If you want to do what you love, you need to not quit when it gets uncomfortable.  

Because, while quitting means you won't fail, it also means you won't achieve your goal either. Many people sign up last minute for workshops, maybe they are waiting to do the same for yours. Maybe they want to make you an offer if you can just meet one more time. You don't know, and the only way to find out is to keep going. Keep putting in the consistent effort as if you WILL succeed.

Because then, it works.

You deserve to succeed and learn and grow and leap and get back up again supported by the rest of us who feel just like you. Gulp.

How do you stick with it when you want to quit? I look for ways to take a fresh perspective.

• Ask for help.
• Take a couple of deep breaths.
• Play outside.
• Read words that inspire you.
• Listen to upbeat music.
• Do the opposite of what you'd normally do.
• Treat this like a game, and take the pressure off. 
• Be scared & do it anyway.

Or, you can hang out the window, but I wouldn’t recommend it. 

Whatever you do, KEEP GOING!

I believe so much in you.

What helps you risk failure and keep going?

Who did you want to be when you grew up?

“I have a secret to tell you."

"Kids are SMARTER than adults."

Mass uproar. 

It’s intimidating to stand in front of 250 wiggling balls of energy at an elementary school assembly for Women's History Month and explain how your journey to running a business included a brain tumor (note the cartoon representation). 

It helps though when you tell them how smart they already are. How, right now, they know things the adults in their lives are trying to figure out. It helps even more that it's true.

What did you love to do when you were young? Who did you want to be?

It may surprise you that many of the conversations I have with clients about changing careers and growing their businesses involve recalling those years when things seemed more straight forward. When they just did what they liked, and drew, sang, danced and dreamed in their own ways without worrying about other people's opinions.

Who you were back then says a lot about who you want to be now.

In fact, reconnecting with your Younger Self might be the most important thing you can do. Chapter 2 of my book, "SIMPLY LEAP: Seven Lessons on Facing Fear and Enjoying the Crap out of Your Life," highlights that concept. 

Your Younger Self can remind you how to lighten up and trust your instincts. Just as she knew what she liked and did it back then, you can do more of that now following her lead. 

She can help you:

• Edit your wardrobe (wear what feels comfortable and pretty)
• Develop meaningful relationships (it feels good to be around people who treat you well)
• Invest your time / money / energy (do more of what you like and less of what everyone else thinks you should do)
• And so much more

Because she did all of that naturally, remember?

She's still inside you. Let her lead. 

This isn't just a fun assignment, which it is. Being more aware of and true to the little person you were in elementary school can change your career and business for the better. It can make your decisions easier and it can grow your confidence.

What an honor to kick off Women’s History Month with JV Forrestal Elementary School in Beacon, NY and celebrate women leaders and change makers everywhere, including the young ones in the audience.

I'll leave you with the socks I wore at the assembly. Believe it or not, I own TWO pairs. Gifts from clients and friends who know my love of socks and desire to enjoy life fully.

I bet my Younger Self would approve. 

What does YOUR Younger Self want you to do this week?