Quitting is easy, but that doesn’t mean you should.
JK Rowling’s manuscript for Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was rejected by the first 12 publishers she approached.
Walt Disney was fired from the Kansas City Star because his boss thought he lacked creativity.
RH Macy opened — and closed — four businesses over a 12-year period before finding success with his Manhattan department store.
And Colonel Sanders was turned down 1009 times over two years before he finally found an investor for his fried chicken.
The bottom line: Never give up. Because success isn’t measured by how often we fail – it’s measured by how many times we try.
Photo Credit: Official US Navy Imagery
Money Beagle says
Sopranos and Breaking Bad were both turned down by all the networks. While they certainly would have been different shows on Network TV vs. Cable, I’m sure they still lament those choice anyways.
Spedie says
So true in business AND in more personal type items!
If at first you do not succeed, step back, analyze, come up with another plan, and go for it.
Steven says
You can’t fail if you don’t quit. That’s my mantra!
The Griper says
never liked the word “try”. it is the word that those who give up use every time. ” well, i tried”. teach a person the word “do” and they always finish with the words, “well. i did it”
Modest Money says
Those are some pretty inspiring examples of why you shouldn’t give up. Sometimes that persistence can pay off huge. If you think you have a good idea you’ve got to do what you can to see it through even if you do face rejection.
Mike Collins says
Failure can be disheartening, but it helps to keep telling yourself that each failure brings you one step closer to success.
Lance@MoneyLife&More says
Always good to keep this in mind. Sometimes it gets lost how successful people and businesses weren’t always successful from the beginning.
Little House says
Thanks for the motivation. I needed that today. Still on the hunt for a teaching job 5 months after I finished my credential program and only one interview (that I didn’t get). I have to remember to just keep going.
Len Penzo says
I’m glad it helped you out, Jen.
Bret says
I’m sorry to hear that Little House. I was an older tech worker, so I know exactly how disheartening the job search can be. Hang in there and think positive thoughts.
Joe Saul-Sehy says
I like the Edison example of coming up with countless ways to not make a lightbulb.
Parenting and Money says
I needed to hear this today. Thanks! I like this reminder and will keep this in mind.
The bottom line: Success isnt measured by how often we fail its measured by how many times we try.
Jerry says
There’s no insurance we’ll be millionaires but trying over and over again will often lead to success.
Len Penzo says
It certainly can’t hurt, Jerry!
Kelly A. says
One of my favorite quotes:
“Defeat is often temporary. Giving up makes it permanent.”
— Marilyn vos Savant
Len Penzo says
Beautiful, Kelly! Thanks for sharing that.
RD Blakeslee says
All of us are blessed with a set of talents. My advice is: Pick the one you are personally most in control of (i.e. not employed by “the other man”) and work smart and hard to establish you place doing that
Your eventual success will be enjoyed in terms far exceeding financial ascendancy.