SUCCESSFUL FAILURE

You always pass failure on your way to success.

Mickey Rooney

I am happy to share with you a record of successful failure. As I went over the tale I learned the value of ‘keep trying’ and it gives me inspiration to strive. Here is a classic example of failures turned into greatness :

A young man ran for the legislature in Illinois, and was badly swamped.

He next entered business- -failed and spent seventeen years of his life paying up the debts of a worthless partner.

He was in love with a beautiful young woman to whom he became engaged--then she died. 

Re-entering politics, he ran for Congress, and was badly defeated. 

He then tried to get an appointment to the United States Land office--but failed. 

He became a candidate for the United States Senate--and was badly defeated. 

Two years later he was defeated by Douglas. 

One failure after another--bad failures--great setbacks; but in the face of all this, HE KEPT ON TRYING and became one of the greatest men in all history. 

Perhaps you've heard of him. His name was Abraham Lincoln. 

*Frank Bettger, How I Raised Myself From Failure To Success 

"A dull ax requires great strength; be wise and sharpen the blade." 

The old man said, "I was not resting. I stopped to sharpen the edge of my axe and adjust my handle." He went on to explain that because the young man never stopped to sharpen his edge he labored more and accomplished less.

*The Book of Ecclesiastes 10:10