Failure is Not an Option

By On · 43 Comments · In Awesome Sauce

Today was a rough one for me, per usual I had some business ups and downs, things that are just part of life and I let it get to me. Occasionally I get very overwhelmed with my whole escape from the 9 to 5 and lose focus, I let fear creep up into my brain and it literally can paralyze my thoughts. That is until I grab myself by the shoulders and SCREAM “Failure is NOT an option!!”. This usually does the trick, this and Xanax for those anxiety attacks :) But seriously, if you ever plan on leading an extraordinary life, escaping the 9 to 5 and determining your own destiny you are going to go through these phases of fear induced frenzy. What is important is you have to realize they are just that – fear induced – and let your more logical brain take back the reigns. Here are some tips to isolate worry, destroy it and live the phrase ‘Action cures fear’ – because it really, really does.

Mapping out your worst case scenario

This is something I learned from Tim Ferriss’ book The Four Hour Work Week. In the book Ferriss dares you to envision your worst case scenario and then see why it isn’t that bad. Here is mine (note I’m moving into a Condo this month in a different city with more expenses):

Okay so I’m going to move to a different city closer to SF & Silicon Valley, there everything will go wrong. My business, built in Vegas, will crumble, I will lose each and every customer. I will have to fire my awesome employees and my savings will start to shrink by leaps and bounds. I will promptly FREAK OUT and have to come up with a whole new business model, preferably this time one that is not service based – while I figure out a new business I’ll get kicked out, have to sell my furniture and end up living in my sticker covered Cadillac with my cat Cooper Joe. I will have to *shudder* bartend or beg for money, or possibly one of my friends/family will help me out and then I’ll start from scratch with some new business ideas and one of them will finally catch on and then I’ll be back on top again.

Make a conscious spending plan

I friend of Ferriss’ Ramit Sethi (great minds think alike) also writes an amazing book titled I will Teach you to be Rich this book helps people of all income levels plan for the future, budget (in a good way) and save. What it taught me was that it is IMPERATIVE before I move to know exactly how much I will need each month to live on and how much I’ll need for my business. I drew out a ‘conscious spending plan’ and was floored by how much I really do live on each month… to sustain this isn’t too hard but it means I can’t let my business slip at all and have to continue to grow it so I can save a lot in the near future. So I encourage you to figure out where each penny is going and build your own plan, spend money on what you love but scrimp tons of what you don’t love. This is a way to defeat the evil B word and turn it into a lifestyle affirming plan.

Make sure failure isn’t an option

Failure really isn’t an option for me. I don’t know what I would do emotionally if I failed, though I’ve failed many times before – but by keeping up a you can’t fail perspective I find lots of ways to succeed in spite of the odds. Just think about how people always find a way to make an excuse or to get out of something, why can’t you be the person that always finds a way, a loophole to succeed? To do better than expected? To totally Crush It and have the bragging rights after wards?! You can make it so failure isn’t in your vocabulary… the best way is to create action plans, to create actionable items that you put on to do lists and to just you know, ACT vs. sitting there and doing nothing.

Action Item:

Write this down, on paper, or in the comments section:

  • What is your greatest fear?
  • What is the worst case scenario?
  • How can you overcome both?
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  • http://www.theinfopreneur.net/ TheInfoPreneur

    Fear is your best friend Maren, fear and pain. Without those two things you have nothing to fuel that drive. I have been in a lot of situations where the immeadiate and natural reaction was to curl up in a ball and pray.

    You know what stops you doing that every time? Fear, not fear of the incoming action but the fear of being ordinary and never reaching our goals or targets.

    Maren, you are already dead, anything you do is a bonus. Strap up soldier, take the safety catch off and take aim!

  • http://andbreak.com/ Julius Kuhn-Regnier

    I think you can overcome your fear and be open to the worst case scenario by believing in the good of other people. That's my opinion. I don't really think about the worst case scenario because I think that whatever will happen, happens. I think I will always be able to find a way through the mess of life.
    It all depends on your attitude.

  • James Ward

    Very interesting. I would have NEVER thought of looking at the worst case scenario. As for planning a budget, I think that is where most people fail.

  • http://www.sugoiinnovations.com/ Jon

    I like to look at fear like exercising. You don't build strength until you feel a little muscle burn or stretch. Likewise, it's hard to get to any new level in your goals without feeling at least some discomfort. The next dumbbell we tackle gets a little bit heavier, but the previous, lighter dumbbell doesn't seem like a big deal anymore.

  • http://jeremyaragon.com/ Jeremy Aragon

    Good stuff, after reading through the comments also it appears I'm not the only one with a 'fear' opinion. Here it goes, FEAR the love of money.

    If you end up 'having the chops' like Gayrvee ;) always says then you WILL crush IT in this new game. The problem is it will easily consume you. 4 years ago when everybody thought I was babbling about non-sense, using words like 'adsense' and 'affiliates'. But when I started cashing 5 digit checks from companies like Hydramedia, ROIRocket, CLickBank and Google everybody got quite, they got quite because I shut em out, even my wife at the time. After 6 years of the BEST time of my life I forfeited all we had built chasing american pennies :(

    I share this because its a brutal reality in my life. The money is very real but the time spent neglecting those closest to us is also very real and something we will never get back…NOW GO CRUSH IT! but stay grounded ;)

  • http://harvestwages.com/ innocriss

    hello Maren,
    Truly, fear isn't an option. We need to give it a chance.

  • http://www.ameaningfulexistence.com/ Karen

    Hi Maren,

    Congrats on taking the plunge of moving to a new city and new home. If you can get over the inital fear factor, it sounds like a very exciting time for you! :-)

    I sometimes do the same thing – think of what could possibly go wrong and try to mitigate those risks. That's where planning, analyzing and savings come into play. If I know that I am covered with the worst-case scenario and won't end up a bag lady eating cat food, then I can take the necessary steps in order to change my life for the better. It's amazing what you can accomplish just knowing that your worst-case scenario for any change in your life can be handled.

    Karen

  • http://www.ameaningfulexistence.com/ Karen Ruby

    Hi Maren,

    Congrats on taking the plunge of moving to a new city and new home. If you can get over the inital fear factor, it sounds like a very exciting time for you! :-)

    I sometimes do the same thing – think of what could possibly go wrong and try to mitigate those risks. That's where planning, analyzing and savings come into play. If I know that I am covered with the worst-case scenario and won't end up a bag lady eating cat food, then I can take the necessary steps in order to change my life for the better. It's amazing what you can accomplish just knowing that your worst-case scenario for any change in your life can be handled.

    Karen

  • http://www.wilsonusman.com/ Wilson Usman

    I agree with you on you need to have this mindset. Now if I rethink it, I say well I think failure is an option. Think about it everyone we know that is successful has failed somehow, and many times. I am sure, that wasn't there mindset though.

    I am so afraid of failing. I think I beat myself up too much, but then I let myself know that, it's okay to fail, because we learn from our failures. I say this, make failure an option, but know that if you fail you will get up.

    Listen to this…I decided to look up ben-gay because I just pulled a back muscle this morning. I found that they turn their failure into a success. They are a well know brand because they failed.

    Good stuff Maren, please don't think I disagree with your ideas, I am trying to look at all these cliche quotes from a different angle you know. I just posted on my blog about “time is money” cliche and lately I just been on looking at things in a whole different way.

  • http://www.Escapingthe9to5.com/ Maren Kate

    Haha :) Nice military quote, good perspective!

  • http://www.Escapingthe9to5.com/ Maren Kate

    That is a great attitude actually, I wish I was that chill! I am more of an anxiety ridden person (it blows I know) but it is nice to see that more relaxed viewpoint!

  • http://www.Escapingthe9to5.com/ Maren Kate

    Yep, that is honestly even where I have avoided for a while, but now I have to finally *grow up* and do it :)

  • http://www.Escapingthe9to5.com/ Maren Kate

    It is just like that Jon you are right on!

  • http://www.Escapingthe9to5.com/ Maren Kate

    Great perspective Jeremey- sobering and encouraging at the same time. THank you for sharing!!

  • http://www.Escapingthe9to5.com/ Maren Kate

    Fear or not failing a chance?

  • http://www.Escapingthe9to5.com/ Maren Kate

    Exactly, like an emergency plan or a fire escape route kind of :) thanks for the comment Karen!

  • http://www.Escapingthe9to5.com/ Maren Kate

    Really? Ben Gay? Gotta check that out :) awesome and I'll check out your post!

  • http://www.diary4life.com Paul

    Maren,

    Lots of blogger today talking about fear and failure; I think the only obstacle to success is the the one in our head. Overcome that and success will become a regular occurrence.

    Great post

    Regards

    Paul

  • http://www.goodfaithinvesting.com/ Shae Bynes

    This is a great post, Maren. I never considered taking this approach until reading 4HWW…it actually felt really good to realize that the absolute worse case scenario — while certainly not what I want — was not a complete devastation. My husband and I did it together and just bounced back and forth about all the things that could go wrong and how we could overcome those obstacles. It almost became comical, but it was a really eye-opening exercise.

    Thanks again – really enjoying your blog even though I haven't commented much :-)

  • http://www.marsdorian.com/ Mars Dorian

    Maren, damn it, get off the Xanax. Americans swallow this stuff like sugar pills. :)

    As soon as you think about failure – you just increased the chance of causing.

    I personally wouldn't even write it down – that's like doing “fear” a favor. Ignoring is the real magic that works. Think – or even better – be totally obsessed with your inevitable success and leave everything else in oblivion. My grandfather died recently, and he died with lots of regrets. That's not going to happen to me – one day you're alive and the next – shwwoosh- you can be dead, just like that. Seriously, it's not even positive thinking – just go into the direction you want and refuse everything else – it works out brilliantly for me. Talking about law of attraction and you soul's destiny :=)

  • http://www.Escapingthe9to5.com/ Maren Kate

    You are right Paul, but my logical mind always has the nagging thoughts like “What if you fail and can't pay the bills anymore” granted those should be put in there place but that is my biggest fear – poverty… though I've never been 'in it' really before I still fear it like crazy – which I need to get a grip on :)

  • http://www.Escapingthe9to5.com/ Maren Kate

    Hi Shae! Thanks for commenting :) I know it is silly but I always think only the people who comment read – then I see the stats and I'm like “oh yeah there are other readers too!” so thanks for letting me put a reader with a face! Good story, I like that you have someone- like your husband – to “partner” up with and get through things. That does make it easier I bet!

  • http://www.Escapingthe9to5.com/ Maren Kate

    Hmm.. Good perspective Mars, and I do jest about Xanax, I've had a prescription for months and taken maybe 7. I am scared of drugs because I hear too many “i got hooked stories” you are right us Americans are a pill popping society.

    I love “be totally obsessed with your inevitable success and leave everything else in the oblivion” that is one of the best quotes I have heard ALL week. Thanks you just encouraged me!!

  • http://www.goodfaithinvesting.com/ Shae Bynes

    Yes, as a blogger myself I can completely relate to that! I've been reading off and on since your guest post on Nick Johnson's blog, but I've got you in my reader now so you'll be hearing more from me ;-)

    It is definitely nice to have someone to work with and talk through things. I can't emphasize enough the importance of having (or creating) those types of relationships/support systems.

  • http://www.stevescottsite.com/ Steve Scott Site

    Wow! Sounds like you have a lot potential stress here. I like how you used Tim's worst case scenario. I used this for my upcoming trip and I figured out that things really couldn't be THAT bad—even if everything went wrong.

    What prompted you to move?

  • http://lifedestiny.net/ Tanner @ Life Destiny

    I enjoy the picture you took of an OSU player failing!

    Congrats on your condo move!

  • http://experimentsinpassiveincome.com/ Moon Hussain

    Maren,

    This post is amazing because I can directly relate to it. I'll be moving in the second week of June and that means quitting my safe job. I keep thinking about draining my savings account and having to be forced into my parents house in FL. My God, that makes me break out in hives!

    It's pretty silly but wth. I need to step over that ledge. Pretty close!
    P.S. I'm assuming you've visited wherever you're moving before? I'll be moving to San Diego :)

  • http://www.financial-inspiration.com/ Leon

    I understand where you are coming from, but I'd have to agree with Wilson. Failure happens but it will only be 'real' failure if you don't do something about it or give up.

  • http://www.Escapingthe9to5.com/ Maren Kate

    That is great, I bet you will sleep better now :)

  • http://www.Escapingthe9to5.com/ Maren Kate

    Thanks Tanner, yeah that poster cracks me up :)

  • http://www.Escapingthe9to5.com/ Maren Kate

    San Diego! Awesome, yes I've visited and lived in it before, it is near SF the Reno/Tahoe area actually… just for a few months before I hopefully head to either LA or SF. Boy but sounds like you are making a big leap of faith too! Will you focus on building your own business after the move?

  • http://www.thinkbigthinkmoney.com/ Ken Siew

    Option A:
    Win
    Option B:
    Learn
    Option C:
    Quit

  • http://GetYourBizSavvy.com/ GetYourBizSavvy

    Worst case scenario…I fail, but at the end of the day I will always be an entrepreneur.

  • http://www.Escapingthe9to5.com/ Maren Kate

    Heck yah! Love your attitude :)

  • http://www.Escapingthe9to5.com/ Maren Kate

    I'd go with B first then follow it with A for flavor :) Good insight Ken!

  • http://www.Escapingthe9to5.com/ Maren Kate

    That is true, I know for a fact considering how many times I've done just that :) but I think I'm sick of failing so I'll just force myself not to this time… another great way to 'not let failure be an option' is if 1 thing doesn't work then morph it into a successful model of whatever :) I do this all the time, I know its “cheating” technically but it works wonders to be able to adapt in any situation.

  • http://www.thinkbigthinkmoney.com/ Ken Siew

    I love this too! You rock man.

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  • http://www.bravenewlife.com/ Brave New Life

    I like this post. The only thing I'd change is to say that “long-term” failure is not an option. I find that “short-term” failure is the cornerstone to long term success.

  • http://www.ouidavincent.com/ Ouida Vincent

    This is a great post. I do have a tendency to give up when the going gets rough which it invariably does, but there have also been times where I have started something else and done better. I have often wondered what the term “failure is not an option” really means now I am starting to understand.

  • http://www.ouidavincent.com/ Ouida Vincent

    This is a great post. I do have a tendency to give up when the going gets rough which it invariably does, but there have also been times where I have started something else and done better. I have often wondered what the term “failure is not an option” really means now I am starting to understand.

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