I was afraid of failure
The idea of starting something new, filled with so much promise, only to see it fade into oblivion, or pouring my heart and soul into an application, only to receive that dreaded rejection email—it's tough. Thoughts like "Am I good enough? Do I have what it takes? Why should I keep trying?" flood my mind.
If you're running a business, I know the worry of figuring out what to tell your investors and team. What do you say to those who have invested their time, resources, and maybe even put their lives on hold because they believed in the vision you sold them? And how do you face your customers who have built their businesses around your product, only to learn that you won't be there for them anymore?
Failing hurts. The pressure society puts on us when we fail can be overwhelming. But what we often forget is that in our social interactions, we only see the highlights—the graduations, the new jobs, the fancy cars and houses. We don't see the 600 rejection emails, the failed deals, the delayed promotions, the visits to rehab, or the battles with depression. We don't see the struggles of the thriving tech entrepreneur or the founder grappling with their mental health, addiction, or the immense pressure of leading a company that's tackling difficult problems.
For me, embracing failure means:
Acknowledging my own humanity and imperfections, understanding that I'm bound to make mistakes. The impact of my decisions and what society thinks of me don't define who I am. My true worth lies in the size of my heart, my actions, and my unwavering commitment to self-improvement.
Making a conscious decision to learn from each experience and quickly move on from it. Each failure holds valuable lessons if I'm willing to embrace them.
Recognizing that failure is a natural part of life's ups and downs—it's what gives meaning to our journey.
Taking care of my mental health and remembering that I'm not alone. Behind the smiling faces of those I may compare myself to, there are challenges they've faced and overcome.
Not allowing the fear and pain of failure to paralyze me, preventing me from pursuing new opportunities, starting fresh in a new business venture, or building new relationships, even after being scarred by the past.
The truth is, we're all a work in progress—imperfect creatures trying to find our way in this journey called life. So, don't be afraid of failure, my friend. Embrace it, learn from it, and keep pushing forward. And above all, make sure to live life to the fullest.
- Century Favour is Managing partner at Endgame the Strategy Company and a Co-Founder at DO-Takeaction
Think for me …
A few years back, in 2013, I found myself needing a website and decided to hire a web designer for the job. We engaged in weeks of back-and-forth communication, providing feedback and making adjustments. However, the designer eventually resigned due to my continuous requests for changes. Undeterred, I hired two more designers, hoping to achieve the desired result finally. Unfortunately, the same frustrating pattern repeated itself.
After four long months, I still didn't have the website I had envisioned. It was during this reflection that I had a crucial realization: the designers' failure wasn't due to a lack of skill but rather their approach to the project. They viewed it merely as a technical task, focusing solely on coding and neglecting to consider the perspective of a business owner or manager.
On the other hand, I saw the project as a strategic opportunity to optimize our digital channels for lead generation. I expected the designers to truly understand our brand, our goals, and how the website would fit into our overall strategy. I wanted them to become more than just designers but rather thought partners who could question my decisions and offer constructive input.
Upon reflection, I realized that my experience with those web designers taught me a valuable lesson. It became clear that my initial expectation of hiring someone solely to design a website was insufficient. What I truly needed was a collaborator—a thought partner who could bring a deeper level of understanding and insight to the project.
From that point forward, I consciously adopted this mindset in every endeavour. Whether working as a freelancer, joining a new team as an employee, or managing client relationships, I aimed to be more than just a task execution machine. I wanted to transcend the boundaries of a traditional role and become a true thought partner.
Being a thought partner means going beyond the surface-level requirements of a project. It involves investing time and effort to understand the broader goals, vision, and challenges faced by my clients or employers. By immersing myself in their world, I could grasp the intricacies and nuances that influenced the project's success.
Instead of executing tasks according to a set brief, I actively sought to engage in meaningful discussions and offer valuable insights. I proactively questioned assumptions, challenged ideas, and provided alternative perspectives. By doing so, I aimed to contribute to the strategic direction and overall success of the project.
Being a thought partner is about developing a relationship built on trust and mutual respect. It's about fostering open communication, where ideas can flow freely, and both parties feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and concerns. By establishing this collaborative dynamic, I believed that we could achieve outcomes that exceeded expectations.
Embracing this mindset had a transformative impact on my work. I discovered that by positioning myself as a thought partner, I gained a deeper sense of fulfilment and satisfaction in what I did. It allowed me to make a more substantial and meaningful contribution beyond the confines of a specific role or job description.
Moreover, being a thought partner fostered stronger and more enduring relationships with my clients or employers. They appreciated the value I brought—the ability to understand their needs, anticipate challenges, and offer innovative solutions. This, in turn, led to more opportunities, referrals, and a reputation for being someone who could deliver exceptional results.
In conclusion, recognizing that a mere website designer couldn't fulfil my need for a thought partner was a pivotal realization. Since then, I've strived to embody this mindset in every project. By going beyond the surface and becoming a true thought partner, I've been able to forge deeper connections, make more significant contributions, and ultimately create a greater impact in my work.
These reflections and musings are things I share daily. So, if you're interested, feel free to follow me here or subscribe to my website for updates on new posts.
- Century Favour is Managing partner at Endgame the Strategy Company and a Co-Founder at DO-Takeaction
The how.
In the past, access to resources and markets played a significant role in determining the success of a business. However, with the rise of technology and globalization, we now find ourselves in a world of resource surplus. Tools, technology, audiences, information, talent, funding, and other crucial resources that were once limited to a select few are now available on a much larger scale. This shift has enabled small players with leaner resources to disrupt established giants. A well-funded multinational corporation can be upended by a young individual armed with just a laptop and a brilliant idea from halfway across the globe. As a result, what were once blue oceans of untapped opportunities are quickly turning into red oceans of intense competition.
In this new landscape, the focus on access to resources has diminished. What truly sets winners apart from the rest is how effectively they leverage the resources available to them. It's about utilizing those resources to innovate, move swiftly, and seize new opportunities.
A strategy, therefore, is all about the "how" of achieving specific goals. It encompasses the discipline to execute with precision and deliver tangible results.
Having a working product, an experienced team, access to funding, and a strong network will amount to nothing if there is no cohesive strategy in place. The "how" is what matters—the clarity, direction, and execution capabilities required to make the most of the resources and opportunities within reach. It's about tackling challenging obstacles, navigating barriers to market entry, capitalizing on emerging possibilities, swiftly adapting to changes, and establishing a dominant position in the market.
So as you start your week, remember the importance of strategic thinking. Happy Monday, and let's prioritize the "how" of our endeavors.
- Century Favour, Managing Partner at Endgame the Strategy Company and Co-Founder at DO-Takeaction