Friday, August 2, 2013

Bravery & Failure

Once again inspired by Mama Kat's Pretty Much Famous Writer's Workshop , I'm sharing a quote I found on Pinterest that inspires me.

The quote:  Don't be afraid to fail.  Be afraid not to try.

I love quotes.  I use them quite a bit and often take some inspiration from them.  This quote is kind of a big deal for me and I'll tell you why.

In March of 2012, I left the company where I had worked for close to 23 years.  There was a business shift and positions were eliminated.  For me it was the right time to step away, recharge my batteries and get ready for the next exciting phase in my life.

I had been doing work that I loved and figured all my talent + experience = a snazzy new job when I was ready.  I waited about 2 months to start looking.  It took me a while to disconnect and get into a new groove.  For the first two weeks I felt guilty leaving the computer...never mind just sitting and watching TV.  I had to transition from work mode to not working mode and it was harder than I thought.  I did learn to watch TV without guilt eventually.

Finally my search began.  I applied to positions that resembled my last job.  And I heard back from maybe one.  I kept applying.  And I kept not hearing much of anything.  Sometimes I would go two months without a response.  I worked with an outplacement counselor and she helped me figure out how to expand my search.  She would tell me ..."Don't be afraid to try - to explore new avenues.  Don't be afraid to market your skill set in a new industry."  And I did it.  I expanded my boundaries.  I figured, what do I have to lose? 

Don't be afraid to fail.  Be afraid not to try.  And that process continued.  It continues still.  I search job postings daily and apply when I have a good feeling.  I've had some interviews, have met and spoken with some really nice people.  My friends have humbled me through their willingness to do whatever they could to help.  I have been incredibly blessed with the level of support I have received.

Don't be afraid to fail.  Be afraid not to try.  This process is not for the weak of spirit.  It is dehumanizing.  I'm a real person without a job.  The silence is the worst part.  I went to an interview on a morning when we were having a blizzard.  It took me three hours to get into Boston - a trip that normally would have taken 40 minutes.  The interviewer was not as sharp as I would have expected considering the organization and his level.  My career was in his hands and it didn't feel great.  And then I heard nothing.  Nothing.  I went there in a blizzard for goodness sake. 

Don't be afraid to fail.  Be afraid not to try. These words keep me moving forward.  I keep applying to positions.  I keep networking.  I ask for help when I can.  I ignore the negative comments from people who have no clue.  While I consider each silence a form of failure, I know I cannot stop - I'm more afraid to give up.  I know the perfect job and I are very close to finding each other.

Don't be afraid to fail.  Be afraid not to try. If you are afraid to fail - I say to you - don't be.  The moment you stop trying, you have automatically failed.  Pick yourself up, dust yourself off and keep moving.  Life has a funny way of working out just as it should - have faith.

xo


10 comments:

  1. I admire your tenacity- especially in a blizzard! This is a great quote and a lesson I am trying to learn every day (visiting from Mama Kat's).

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  2. Thank you Kristin! Never give up - that's pretty much all you do. ♥

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  3. Wow, what a positive attitude during such a hard time. I hope that you and your perfect job find each other very soon! This is a great quote, and definitely perfect for your situation. Good luck!

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  4. Thank you Jessica for your kind words! ♥

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  5. I look at it this way, each time they don't call you back, you didn't need them anyway. It means that Heavenly Father has something better out there in mind for you and these folks would just slow you down from getting to it. :)

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  6. Amen to that Suzanne! There is a plan and I need to keep focused and be patient. ♥

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  7. Great quote! Sometimes it feels so easier to play it safe, but you never know what great things might come your way if you don't give it a try!

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  8. Thank you Mama Kat ♥ This prompt really helped me to organize my thoughts about this process and having shared my quote with the world I am more encouraged to stick with it and keep moving forward. xo

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  9. I love that quote too...and I'm so glad you're trying!!!

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  10. Thank you elastamom! ♥ It's certainly a challenge some days but I won't give up xo

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