Successful people usually fail, too. To some, failure is a stopping point, but for those with the character to persevere, failure represents a chance to gain knowledge that can be applied to their next attempt. The British army suffered a staggering defeat at Dunkirk but went on to win the war. Abraham Lincoln was born to a poor family and started life in a dirt-floor log cabin on the outskirts of pioneer America. He failed in business, was defeated more than once while running for Congress, lost his sweetheart, suffered a nervous breakdown, lost two bids for the Senate, and was defeated in a run for the vice presidency before being elected president of the United States in 1860.
Many people suffer a defeat and then lower their expectations or abandon their dreams.
Leaders must help others learn to fail without fear. They must teach by example that it is right and good to dream, seek, fail, and try again. Don't be disheartened if your life has been riddled with temporary failures. Success favors those who persist.