Success from Failure

This seems to be a strange result, but often true. Very seldom does one learn real lessons from success, whether, athletics, academics, work and achievements. It is often when we experience failure, does the evaluation, contemplation and learning occur. Usually the winner of the race enjoys his triumph, while the loser tries harder, learns a new technique, trains better, etc for the next race. This is true in so many facets of life. A mistake is made and say, “That won’t happen again.” I realize there are many times when failure occurs through no fault of anyone. An automobile accident, an untimely sickness, etc. However, often we can learn from the failure and do better and success the next time. The crucial point is to “keep your head up’ and don’t look to others to assess blame, but take a positive attitude. It works! I know, I have done it!

We Can Do More Than We Think We Can

I am constantly amazed what the human body can absorb, change and strike out in a new direction or be receptive to new challenges or difficulties. Somehow we muddle through or glory in a new path. We have the inbred genes. This is why I preach we can do more and different things than we sometimes originally think and from this experience we grow in confidence, knowledge and become an incentive to others.

Although I worked at one bank for 33 years the experience was full of new thrusts, such as organizing two new banks on my own impetus. The trips to Russia are another example. By trying new endeavors, life becomes more interesting, exciting and rewarding and we learn about new areas, such as, countries, technical advances, new friends, etc. etc. However, the point is – we have to try, make the initial effort and that is where the fun and challenge comes. Not all new actions are going to be successful, some will fail, but at that stage we gather up our ego and think, it will be different next time!

Education Is the Key

The process of being educated elevates one’s thoughts, ambitions, knowledge and sense of understanding of the World around us. Education also opens door to the future. It is well established that college educated people earn more money than those without college experience. Sometimes people question the value of a liberal arts degree versus a more technical course. Initially, the technical course wins easily but in later years as advancement occurs an executive or person will be judged also on his ability to converse and discuss intelligently about subjects other than technical problems.

People with varying intellectual abilities will not be able to advance in education as some brighter students, but the need is to proceed as far as one’s talents carry them. Also, education is much more than college grades, it is the development of the individual and most of this occurs outside of the classroom. Reading, understanding the arts: art, music, drama, etc, participating in discussions, learning from others, realizing and utilizing one’s talents are all part of the education process. I dislike seeing young, and old, minds being under stimulated by over indulgence on TV, video games, sports talk. There is a balance and the saying, “Moderation in all things is wise” is appropriate.

I admit to being a little prejudice on the matter of education. Growing up in a college professor’s house, there was never any question about my going to college. It was just understood. Also, I was fortunate to attain good grades and that opened doors for me. My education occurred during wartime so I was able to attend Northwestern and Harvard Universities courtesy of the United States Navy. Following the war I completed my studies at Harvard.

But education doesn’t stop at the conclusion of schooling. By engaging our minds and stimulating our thoughts we continue a lifetime of education. Observe what you read, be inquisitive about new things, ask questions of others, participate in discussions to learn and have your thoughts and ideas tested. Don’t be satisfied with the status quo in your life.