It's difficult because we tend to overrate the pain of failure. We fear it too much. That's research that emerges from psychology. We think it's going to be worse than it really is. And, I think, as we get a bit older, really after we leave school or college, we quickly stop experimenting.
Interpretation
Fear of failure often holds us back from trying new things.
This quote highlights how people frequently exaggerate the pain and consequences of failure, leading to an irrational fear that prevents experimentation and personal growth. As we grow older and move past educational environments, we tend to become more risk-averse, which inhibits our willingness to take chances and explore new opportunities.
In practice
Using this quote in a workshop about embracing risk in business.
Economists have allowed themselves to walk into a trap where we say we can forecast, but no serious economist thinks we can. You don't expect dentists to be able to forecast how many teeth you'll have when you're 80. You expect them to give good advice and fix problems.
In certain businesses, I would say 10 failures to one success is a perfectly acceptable ratio. Because the failures die pretty quickly, they're not that expensive, and the successes can be really huge.
Success Comes Through Rapidly Fixing our Mistakes Rather than Getting Things Right the First Time.
Many claim that it is insane to resist the system; but actually, it is insane not to.
Merely by describing yourself as black you have started on a road towards emancipation, you have committed yourself to fight against all forces that seek to use your blackness as a stamp that marks you out as a subservient being.
What do we say to the Lord of Death?" "Not today.
The sufferings that fate inflicts on us should be borne with patience, what enemies inflict with manly courage.
Everyone recognizes that Stephen was Spirit-filled when he was performing wonders. Yet, he was just as Spirit-filled when he was being stoned to death.
The concessions of the weak are the concessions of fear.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.