Avoiding Failure

I was talking to a Senior at my alma mater, Purdue, recently.  He was graduating with a four-year graphic design degree.  Wow!  Think of the hard work.  The many classes.  Drawings.  Computer Programs.  Tests.  Projects.  4 years of hard work.

"What do you want to do when you graduate."

His answer surprised me.

"I'm not sure I'm qualified to take a full-time job so I'm thinking I'll take a part-time job to learn what I need to do a good job."

I looked at him.  Stunned.  Here's a young man who has worked hard for 4 years and doesn't have the confidence to put his hard work into practice.  I guess he's suffering from the "Not Good Enough" syndrome.  Ever caught that dis-ease?

I launched into my story from my Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering and how I had seen many failures along the way.  One particular one sticks with me today.  You see, I flunked second semester Organic Chemistry in my second semester senior year!  I didn't graduate with my peers.  The university allowed me to walk at graduation, complete with gown and tassel but with an empty folder which would hold a bachelor's certificate.  I mustered the courage to tell my friends NOT to ask to see my diploma at the graduation ceremonies.  I was so embarrassed.  But you know what I remember most?  How my friends made me feel.  They knew how hard it was to get to that point.  One little failure point didn't make me less than.  I was still one of them.  No shame.  Yes, I took Organic Chemistry that summer.  Got a B.  And yes, I received my BS Chemical Engineering diploma in the mail.  I'm proud of that degree and the learnings that went WAY beyond the classroom.  About working hard.  About overcoming hardships and failures.  And gaining confidence to figure out … anything.

When I finished my story, I extolled the student for his hard work and his ability to complete such a daunting task of finishing a 4-year degree.  It's HIS time to put his talent in the world where it shines the most….in a full-time job that deserves his talent!  

His face lit up and a broad smile grew as he learned that a successful executive began right where he was….flawed and capable.

And then this Wisdom Gem jumped out of my mouth.

"Avoiding Failure IS Failure."

If we define our future by avoiding failure, we've already lost.  Success nor significance will ever be in our grasp.  Stretch yourself.  Failure is just another portal to learning deeply.  Most importantly, learn to be the most authentic YOU, you can be. 

Then go out there and LIVE YOURSELF!

SHINE BOLDLY!