Last month, I shared my thoughts on finding success through perseverance—taking things one step at a time. This month, I’m shifting gears and focusing on a different approach to success: embracing failure.

 

During a recent family vacation to Hawaii, I took my first surfing lesson. To be honest, I fully expected to wipe out—repeatedly. And wipe out, I did! But those falls taught me a valuable lesson about failure and growth.

 

When you’re learning something new or trying to master a skill, failure isn’t just likely; it’s inevitable. Whether it’s catching your first wave, making that initial sales call, or diving into a challenging new project, setbacks are part of the process. Each failure is a step closer to success.

 

Think about it: every rejection, every stumble, every "wipeout" is teaching you something, whether it’s refining your technique, building resilience, or simply reminding you to keep getting back up. Eventually, you’ll find your rhythm and get that first win.

 

So why not go for it? Take the leap, make that call, or pitch your big idea. Don’t sweat the rejections or the times you fall short. Each one brings you closer to your goal.

 

As for me, I may not be a pro surfer yet, but every wipeout got me closer to riding my first wave—and that exhilarating moment made all the failures worth it.

 

Here’s to celebrating the falls on the way to the ride of your life!