Hi readers. Today’s installment of Wednesday Words—about failure—is a post I set up weeks ago.BUT first, as you must surely know, Hurricane Milton struck Florida last week causing horrific damage, as did Helene shortly before it. We’re stunned and deeply saddened over these catastrophies that have left so many without housing, power, basic needs. Very tough times for many, many, many people. If you can support relief efforts, I urge you to do that.
So, onward. The following is from my waaayback machine—an old folder full of notable quotes, quirky facts, and encouraging inspirations.
Don’t Be Afraid to Fail
Source: This is the message dated 1986, published in the Wall Street Journal by United Technologies Corporation, Hartford, Connecticut.
You’ve failed many times, although you may not remember.
You fell down the first time you tried to walk.
You almost drowned the first time you tried to swim, didn’t you?
Did you hit the ball the first time you swung a bat?
Heavy hitters, the ones who hit the most home runs,
also strike out a lot.
R. H. Macy failed seven times before his store in New York caught on.
English novelist, John Creasey, got 753 rejection slips before he published 564 books.
Babe Ruth struck out 1,330 times, but he also hit 714 home runs.
Don’t worry about failure.
Worry about the chances you miss when you don’t even try.
—END—
Thanks for reading!
Next week’s Wednesday Words: Oh, Orwell!
Until next time, best wishes from your writer on the wing,
Charlene
Sara Schlossman
“Worry about the chances you miss when you don’t even try,” to this I say, Yup, & thanks for this timely post, Charlene.
Personal case in point: one poem that has taken years & many abandoned drafts to come into its best shape (& it’s not the only slow bloom work, either!).
Yes, to failure–then keep moving :):):)
Steve
wonderful post Charlene. ❤
Nylda Dieppa
Staying focused on this bit of wisdom!
John Arnett
Glad you’re ok
There’s a quote also by Michael Jordan about all his failures and ends with the statement, “I’ve failed over and over and that’s why I succeed” or something like that
Charlene
Thanks for all these comments, dear readers! You each inspire me so much.