What My Worst Failure Taught Me
Personal Growth · 2 min read
When I was in high school, I co-authored the worst love letter known to man. I wasn't exactly popular. My looks were the least of my problems; I was mostly disliked for my know-it-all attitude. And the girl I had my eye on was pretty, popular and effortlessly brilliant.
Two "friends" convinced me to write her a letter. A heartfelt, Shakespearean-level masterpiece. They eagerly volunteered to deliver it. As I handed it over, a deep, sinking feeling set in.
Two periods later
"She's waiting for you outside!" My heart leapt. There she was. Mouth pursed. Eyes staring daggers. "What is this? Did you write this?" Right there, in front of a growing audience, she tore into me while tearing my letter to shreds. Her closing statement: "You think a girl like me would date a guy like you?"
I ran straight into the crowd, shoving through like a contestant on an old-school game show, and locked myself in the bathroom.
Then Monday came
I showed up. Sat down. And apart from a few people catching up on the gossip, nothing happened. At some point she even looked over, smirked and said: "You've got guts. I'll give you that."
Survive until Monday
That weekend taught me more about business than most courses. You have no choice but to put yourself out there: pitch the client, launch the product, post the work. Vulnerability is part of the process.
Be careful who you listen to. Not everyone cheering you on is on your side. And it is never as bad as you think. The worst that usually happens is rejection, and you will survive rejection.
You haven't met the best version of yourself yet. That version is the one that walks through the fire and comes out stronger, and you only meet them after you have faced the worst that can happen. So send the letter. Then survive until Monday.