[October 29, 2024 – Blog] We all experience failures. It’s part of life, and if you don’t fail, you aren’t reaching for the sky. One phrase that has always helped me deal with life’s failures comes from the pharmaceutical industry: “fail fast.” When a potential blockbuster drug in testing and development is found to be ineffective, companies abruptly halt the project, saving hundreds of thousands of dollars.
For me, when I realize something is going to fail, I stop investing my precious time and money into the project and move on as quickly as possible. Focus on the things that are winning and successful in life and leave the duds behind. You also have to pay attention to the people who ‘have your back’ when you face failure—they are the ones who truly love you.
We must also dream big dreams and not be discouraged by a few bumps in the road, especially if we have the courage, knowledge and belief that we are on to something worthwhile. I would never have accomplished many of the successful things in my life if I had let the “the bullshit chorus” in my head stop me.
Recently I came across a quote from artist Erin Hanson. She’s credited with creating a painting style called ‘Open Impressionism,’ which is now taught in art schools and colleges worldwide. Her work has been described as a blend of Monet and Van Gogh. She is a landscape painter, as I am, although our styles are quite different.
When you start thinking about your future and allow yourself to dream big dreams, I hope you’ll remember her words:
“There is a freedom waiting for you,
On the breezes of the sky,
And you ask, “what if I fall?”
Oh but my darling,
What if you fly?”
by Erin Hanson
Reaching for the sky,
Gay Gaddis
Founder. Author. Artist. Trailblazer.
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