Throughout my life, I have learned so many lessons. Many of them I learned from multiple failures. It took me a long time to learn lessons when I was younger, I was somewhat of a glutton for punishment. Finally one day I decided to open my eyes and look back at all the times I fell. Looking back uncovered a treasure trove of lessons.
Moving forward in my life, I began to study what we call study some of the worlds top performers and continued to learn valuable lessons, only this time, I learned as a student. I no longer needed to fall to learn these lessons.
I want to share with you some of the most valuable lessons I learned along my journey and hope they can help you with yours
1) Growing up I was raised by a single mother until I was about the age of 7. I had a step-father who came into my life and to say the very least, we did not get along. He was a great man but I was a young stubborn kid who refused to take any guidance from him because he wasn't my real dad. Words being exchanged soon turned into threats of physical violence and it sent me on a downward spiral. I could go on with the story but it would be a chapter in a book. It took almost ten years for us to even speak civilly and it almost tore our family apart.
Fast forward today and I couldn't picture my life without him. He is an amazing man. He took care of our family, was a great husband to my mother and an excellent father.
Lesson number 1: We rarely get things right the first time/ failure is never final. We always have a chance to go back and mend broken bridges. The game simply isn't over until we stop moving forward, so long as we breathe, there is always an opportunity for greatness.
Moving past that time in my life, into my 30's, I started to find success in my career. It started as me just want ing a job and paying my bills. I was dead broke and hungry, and I quickly began to climb the corporate ladder. I learned how to make money and learned how to invest. In short, I found financial success. It was what I always wanted until I had it. I soon realize I wasn't doing the things I loved. I love this! Writing podcasts and speeches, coaching and inspiring people, and I realized I traded that for financial gains. This brings me to the net lesson.
Lesson number 2: Ensure that you have the right definition for success. I was on the grind for years and earned myself this career and learned how to invest, but I wasn't happy, because I wasn't doing things that set my heart on fire. Life is too short not to do the things you love, and I can guarantee if you do what you love and add value to other peoples' lives, the dollars will follow.
Do what you love. Period.
Finally, very much related to the second lesson, I learned that sometimes success can be a trap. I had the financial success, a nice house, nice care, amazing vacations and everything I could ask for. I knew it wasn't what I wanted, but I was content, so instead of coming home and writing a podcast, I sat on the couch and relaxed. So my final lesson:
Lesson number 3: Never let short term success put out our fire. You came this far, and let me tell you, there is greatness inside of you. With all of that greatness, I can tell you with absolute certainty that you are only halfway there. You are capable of so much more in your life. Go for it. Never let your fire burn out!
Failure is not fatal so long as you pick yourself up. Live with love in your heart and fire in your belly. And never, ever stop driving forward!
Stay Inspired!
-Raf
