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Never Failed? Then, You've Never LIVED!

Truly Inspirational!

If you're down in the dumps about the market...or had a Closing fall through lately...or worked with someone who went out of their way to make you feel small..
Success

...this is for you!

So much of our lives are all about trial and error and many times we view the 'error' as a dead end--well, it's NOT! It's a lesson to BUILD upon and if you're smart, you'll use this failure to your benefit and grow from it. I think that one of the reasons that we're all here is for the challange--what two transactions are EVER the same? What if one very important step is overlooked?

If we do our best and pick ourselves up when we've fallen, then we're one step closer to success! This video is truly inspirational as so many very important people in history have either been told they were failures or failed at something monumental in their lives. What keeps us going is the knowledge that we CAN rise to the challange...

Have a great day!

Disclosure of material contained within.

Posted by Debe Maxwell, Realtor® - Charlotte NC MLS - Charlotte NC Neighborhoods on 07/06/2009 09:40 AM

Comments (79)

Inspirational in the ActiveRain Channel

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Originally posted at: Charlotte NC Luxury Home Source: Never Failed? Then, You've Never LIVED!

This post has been included in North Carolina Information
Post is included in group: The Lounge at Active Rain
Post is included in group: POSITIVE ATTITUDE for the Weary Soul
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79 Comments on Never Failed? Then, You've Never LIVED!

JUL

Debe: Truer words were never spoken!!! Great post and congrat's on the STAR.. you're a star. :-)

Fantastic Monday Inspiration Debe!

Thank You!

Great message and good start to the day!

Debe, Isn't it an interesting perspective - how so many are willing to give their power away to someone's judgment? Thanks for sharing the inspirational video. Make it a great week!

Hi Debe

A inspirational post and powerful video.

Good luck and success.

Lou Ludwig

Kat: AHH, I'm blushing!! Thanks and I hope you have a fantastic week!

Eilean: Thanks--I agree, I've watched this thing so many times and it just resounds in my heart--our business is trying but, rewarding and we simply must fail at some aspect of it to learn!

Judy: Thanks and I hope you have a great day!

Kathleen: I agree wholeheartedly! You're welcome and you do the same!

Debe in Charlotte

Morning Debe, Terrific way to start the week. Reminds me of some challenges I've faced and overcome ! Well done.

Lou: I'm taking a page out of YOUR book on inspiration! You inspire us daily!

Debe in Charlotte

Bill: Thanks so much--it's those failures that teach us the grander lessons in life!

Debe in Charlotte

This is all the inspiration I need---and much more---to begin this new week. Thank you for sharing it with us! You are a stAR! :-)

Debe...

I loved it! Failure isn't really failure unless we stop trying. I've lost track of all the times I've failed. I've lost track, because for me, failure is just a learning curve :)

TLW...ROAR!

Mara: You know, I actually wrote it last week and thought it would be a great Monday morning post!! And, YOU, my YOUNG friend, are the STAR!! ;-) Have a great day...

TLW: You're so right--I think we oftentimes forget that too! I CRAVE those learning curves!! ;-)

Debe in Charlotte

The true lessons in life are learned from our mistakes. If they cost us, we really learn.

Your Queen Creek AZ Real Estate Specialist

Debe, I got on Active Rain and found your blog at just the right time. I just had an offer fall through that I had been working on for 3 1/2 weeks. I was bummed, but your blog cheered me up. So it's on to the next deal. Thank you for making my day.

Edward & Celia: That is so true. And, yes, those costly lessons are not soon forgotten!

Debe in Charlotte

Debe: Thanks for the post! I've failed way more than I would have liked. And it's been really challenging since I entered into the real estate business three years ago. But, through it, I have started to see my business grow. It also helps that I truly love what I do. To all those out there who are wondering, I can only say pursue your passion even if the obstacles are great! Thanks again!

Paul: You're welcome! I agree that your passions guide you in life--the failures seem to make us even MORE passionate! Have a great day...

Debe in Charlotte

Ann: You know, I've had more deals fall through this year than in all of the years combined that I've been in real estate! It's a sign of the times and each and every time, I learn something from it--whether it's something about short sales or something about inspections or lending, it's a valuable learning lesson that I can share with future clients and other agents so that it's not repeated. Sorry about your deal falling through but, pick yourself back up and you'll be even MORE successful!

And, a HUGE WELCOME to ACTIVE RAIN! Don't hesitate to call or email if you have questions or need anything!

Debe in Charlotte

Failures...just experiences with non-anticipated results.

So true, so true. You can only get better at something by knowing what doesn't work - isn't that what failure really is?

I absolutely agree - I just posted a history of the failures of Abraham Lincoln here, and it's amazing that he persevered & became president!!

Debe --- powerful video and powerful words --- thanks for sharing that --it is a great way to start the week. We should all keep this video handy and when one fees down, they should just play this video.

BTW, Congrats on the feature.

Mama Liz's Signature

Hi Debe, it is always inspiring to be reminded of great achievers who didn't do it the first time out.

Hope you have a wonderful week!

Debe - I love this video! I think the Abraham Lincoln one is always so compelling.

I see Paul's response and want to make sure he read Mal's comment for taking a different perspective. Sometimes we want an outcome for its reward but we need to be careful before we establish criteria that categorize failure versus alternate outcomes we wish not to repeat.

Please do not let anyone live in avoidance of failure because to try is to live. LIFE=RISK.

Debe... wow, you can't get any more inspirational than that. Maybe one day they can add my name in there.. lol Seriously, this post is perfect timing for what has gone on in the last 3 weeks. thanks

jeff belonger

Debe, This was perfect for me this week. I had a $10,000 mistake last week and its hard to swallow. I truely believe in this message. Thank you for such a timely message to me!

Mal: Great analogy! I love it!

William: Yes, that's exactly what it is!

Dan: Amazing story about Lincoln; he IS truly the definition of inspiration, isn't he?

Mama Liz: Thank you so much--I agree, I've watched this thing so many times--it is incredibly uplifting!

Debe in Charlotte

Ann: I agree! You do the same!

Jason: Me TOO! I forgot where I first saw this video but, I searched high and low to find it on YouTube to be able to share it--it IS truly inspirational!

Jim: So true, so true! I love the end...Life = Risk!

Jeff: Hang in there...you'll conquer the world with your perseverance! Determination after falling on our faces is key to success! Have a great week!

Debe in Charlotte

June: Do tell--how did it happen and what did you learn from it? I think that so many of us live in denial and when you do as you've done and faced it, suddenly you'll find yourself on top of the world! Best of luck!

Debe in Charlotte

Of course Debe, I like it to - Its from the video.

Love the video, it it inspiring and does help keep you going when the chips are down. Congrats on the feature!

Jim: I know, it's definitely thought-provoking!

Kate: Thanks! I saw this thing awhile back and had to search to find it for this post but, it definitely makes us reflect on our own failures and realize that ours are not nearly as dramatic as some!

Have a great week...

Debe in Charlotte

Debe, great post! Thanks for sharing this great video with us!

Thanks for the video . . . external events or influences can sure be discouraging, but internal strength, willingness to learn from our experiences and perseverance are what counts for success. Michael Jordan was cut from his basketball team? My life is sure full of learning experiences. Great post, feature worthy for sure.

Great post and great inspiration from our AR !! Debe - I once had a business mentor tell me that if you haven't gone bankrupt at least once you're not a true entrepreneur! Not sure I like the bankrupt idea but the message is true! Nothing ever gets accomplished if you've never failed!

Really GREAT Post!!! I'm always up for a challenge, especially one somebody tells me it can't be done.

I LOVE IT DEBE!!! This video needs to go viral! You said it much better than I did. I try to inspire others to this realization but their defenses kick in and take offense to that which is being said. This is so true.

My favorite movie is Pursuit of Happyness!

Debe - great video and thanks for sharing it - great start to the day. And congrats on the feature.

I got here seeing a comment on Lenn's post :) I guess most struggle through the real 'news' and others pick up and just keep moving past the obstacles and continue forward. I risked big time (personal gain :) and I am comfortable with me today. That keeps me going. :)

While this is true in life in general, it is particularly true in real estate. I think perseverance is the number one attribute necessary for this line of work.

Love this video..then again..I love anything that reminds me..we can and even if we make a mistake or two!

Great stuff Debe! Thanks! Matt

Debe, Your blog reminded me of this guy I read about once.

He was born to an extremely poor farming family in Oklahoma. At a few years old, his Dad decided farming didn't generate enough income for the family to survive, so the father went back to his previous profession as a mortgage man (oh, the irony).

They moved form one small town to another for several years. Mind you, the man I'm talking about grew up in the Great Depression. He did many chores to help the family out. He milked the family cow, bottled the surplus and drove it out to his customers in hope of brining in a little extra income for the family. Afterwards, he delivered newspapers, and sold magazine subscriptions door-to-door.

Imagine working so much, and providing service like that to your customers. Delivering fresh milk and newspapers whether it was hot or cold, rainy or clear...and then knocking on people's doors and facing the kind of rejection he must have run into while trying to sell magazine subscriptions.

It had to be awful. But he didn't give up.

In order to further help his family, this man attended college, worked whatever odd-jobs he could find, and waited on tables in exchange for meals. Upon graduating from college, he landed a job at JC Penney, and earned $75.00 per month as a management trainee. This was during WWII, and he ultimately quit that job to serve his country by joining the Army.

When the war ended, he opened a small variety store with some of the money he was able to save. He only had limited experience, but he thought he could provide much better service than what was currently being provided at the time.

He was conscientious and cared deeply about his customers. He always made sure the shelves were stocked with a wide range of goods at affordable prices. Recalling his own experience growing up so poor, he also became a tough negotiator with his suppliers in order to offer the best value and lowest prices to his customers. And even though it required a lot of extra hard work, he stayed open several hours later than any of his competitor's stores at the time.

Unfortunately, his landlord resented how successful this store had become, and as a result, failed to renew the store's lease. Instead, the conniving self-centered landlord wanted to give the store to his son so he could reap the rewards of what this other man had built.

Undaunted, the man I'm talking about, found another location and opened another store. But it was in a different city...and it was tough. Being new to the city, he involved himself in many civic activities in order to meet the local folks...and soon he became president of the Rotary Club and the Chamber of Commerce.

It took a ton of hard work, sacrifice, and commitment, but soon his new store was as successful as the old one. So much so, in fact, that he opened another one. And another.

I guess he wound up doing okay. His name? Sam Walton.

Perhaps you've heard of his chain?? Walmart.

Dave

Tony & Darcy: Thanks! So uplifting, isn't it?!

Sara: I couldn't have said it better myself! Thanks for commenting!

Pamela: Me either--not sure I like that extreme but, the message is what we need to take from her comment!

Michelle: Me too--and I always thought my parents were just squashing my ideas...they were trying to teach me to get back up, dust myself off and try harder next time!

Debe in Charlotte

Katerina: How DID I know that you would love this video?! Birds of a feather...

Sharon: Thanks so much! I hope it started your week off on a positive note...

Sally: Funny but, I commented on Lenn's post after you did that she is the realist and I'm the eternal optimist! I have to say though, she's right ALOT more than I am about the market!!! LOL

Steve: You are SO right--especially these last couple of years!

Debe in Charlotte

Midori: Me too--watching it each morning should help us realize that we can prevail, even in this market!

Matt: Well, thank you and thanks for stopping by too! Have a great week...

Dave: Now that is one powerful story, isn't it? I think that many who are in that doom and gloom mode really need to sit back and read that and absorb it for what it is--truly inspirational! (You need to write a post and share this story!)

Debe in Charlotte

Now that is a good Monday Morning Missive!

Thanks!

HI Debe - I had to stop back by today and say have a great week as well. Back at it after the long weekend!!

Debe--Nice video! Really gets the week off with a positive outlook!

Hi Debe, I've seen this before but it's great to watch it again! The stories are so inspirational and the message is true. We can't always expect success on the first shot, it just doesn't happen that way--we've got to keep on trying and pick ourself up after failures.

Great video!

--Anne Rains

It's pretty simple actually ...

If you've never failed ... you've never tried.

Thanks for the motivator!

Thanks Debe for sharing its an inspiration how we get disappointment and discouraged by the failure.

Love the Walmart story!!!

One of my favorite Jordan quotes: "I've missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life and that is why I succeed."

Thank so much for this Debe...what a great video and wisedom. I hope you are doing well and had a great 4th weekend!

That is great Debe. I had a business failure in 1998. I learned BIG lessons in that one, and went on to start 2 other successful businesses. I paid "the dumb tax" and didn't repeat my errors.

No guts no glory! I've screwed up, A LOT! I see these times as a great opportunity, just can't look at it any other way. Hope you had a great 4th Debe...

Well I'm late to this party, and didn't read all the comments yet. But I really enjoyed the video and message. The title is an understatement.

Carla: Thank you! Hope it got your week off to a good start!

Sharon: I had a long one too--but, was working all weekend! Believe me when I say, I'm NOT complaining at ALL!

Teri: Doesn't it?! I think I need to watch that thing every day for motivation--well, I'm pretty motivated to begin with but, it certainly is inspiring!

Anne: That's for sure--I think that 99% of those who are incredibly successful in business have a story or even two, to tell about failure. We just 'expect' so much more of ourselves and failure isn't something that we view as a positive--but, it certainly is!

Debe in Charlotte

Carol: Now that's a FACT! I love that quote--should 've used it as my title! Have a great week...

Ritu: So do I! That Sam Walton story is pretty incredible. Gives us ALL hope!

Daren: I just LOVE that quote--I read it aloud to my hubby and got goosebumps!

Diane: I did and I hope you did as well! I loved your Lake Norman post about the Fourth! Have a great week...

Debe in Charlotte

Great video, very interesting.

Just shows that people will eventually only remember your great successes.

That was inspirational.

Debe - Just AWESOME! I could be the poster child for failure when I look back over the years. I have never been a quitter and refuse to look at my failures as a negative.

The one thing I have never done is to let it stop me from getting right back up with a smile and a purpose to face the next challenge that might come my way as I walk up those steps to achieving success.

I'd say I gotta whole lotta living to do yet!!! :)

PS--There is a whole theory out there on making successes out of failures. It's one of my favorite subjects to read!

Hi Debe, this is a great post and well deserving of the feature, congrats. I plan to show this video to my son, who has a small fear of failure. Great stuff and we appreciate the inspiration.

dan

What a nice and thoughtful post -- much needed today. Thank you! Lori

many times we view the 'error' as a dead end--well, it's NOT! It's a lesson to BUILD upon and if you're smart, you'll use this failure to your benefit and grow from it.

That's exactly right! Here's a real life example: Babe Ruth hit 714 home runs in his career. However, he also struck out 1,330 times! Nobody, in any career, hits a home run every time.

Debe - Persistence is the key to success. Just never give up. Our business is full of ups and downs. Our clients depend upon us to be strong. It's so good to be able to come here and give each other support because right now this business is a very hard one to be in - financially and emotionally. Thank you for the inspirational video. We need to help each other through this period.

Thanks for this Debe. Failure is just part of the story.

How did you know that I needed this today! What a blessing...and thanks for the inspiration!

Jeani

Hi Debe..Straight and to the point, Great Message.

Well Done on your Gold Star.

Cheers, thanks for sharing this inspirational Message:O)

JUL

What a nifty little video, short, sweet and to the point. Very inspirational for everyone. Like the part about real estate agents.

Excellent and well deserved featured post Debe. The key in life is "Next!" Thomas Edison succeeded after 10,000 failures. Life is not made upon dwelling of the wreckage behind, but of the unmet dreams that lie ahead.

That was great. Thanks so much for sharing, Debe. It's so easy to be negative but seems to be much more difficult to be positive about our failures. But it really is so much more worth it to be positive, isn't it? Get up, dust off, move on, learn, grow.

~Renae

Hi All! Thank you so much for your comments! I've been slammed ALL day and have not had time to respone to each one of your comments--yet! I hope to be able to get back to you SOON!

Have a great week...

Debe in Charlotte

Debe, thanks for the inspiration today. I am challenged every day and see more things where I can improve and learn from every situation. Thanks for sharing.

JUL

Oh how right you are! And a change of scenery like Miami and Miami Beach will help you appreciate things too!

"Sometimes you lead, sometimes you follow. Life's a dance, you learn as you go!"

Debe, Thank you for your "Truly Inspirational" post. Congratulations on your featured star, well deserved. I have re-blogged so more can read and see your video. A quote that I love is by Robert F. Kennedy:

"Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly."

JUL

Debe,

Thanks for posting....you are always such a sweetie...and I soooo love your posts...heading off for the video now...thanks in advance!!!!

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