You do it so often, sometimes it’s hard to notice.
Reaching for someone and not getting a reply, building a community and not gathering people, writing a blog and not being read.
It all involves effort, time, and sometimes even money. For nothing.
So what?
If you haven’t realized by now that failure is no big deal, then start Ninging, blogging and tweeting right away.
Internet’s tools are there so you don’t have to play safe.
Be risky, fail, and move on to the next thing.
Bottom line: Learning from experience has never been cheaper. Running risks has never been easier.
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
I love this post. And what you say is true. Starting a business used to take a lot more than now. You would have to set up too many things, find space to work and more. Now we can do it from the palm of our hand.
So why not take risks? Why not be bold? The truth is: we should be. We have almost nothing to lose.
We should be, wise words Dan. And I don’t relate this only to business. We start projects and put our energy in a lot of personal things as well. And these shouldn’t be an exception. Takings risks should be a universal attitude.
In this day and age, the tools are all at our fingertips – it all comes down to coming up with an innovative idea. Either something that no one’s thought of, or figuring out a way to offer something that’s already out there, but in a unique and exciting way. Money still makes the world go round, so we might have to work some jobs we’re not passionate about, but it’s about making the time to follow your passions. I’m living proof that it’s possible to incorporate the things you love (in my case writing) into the daily grind.
I may not have launched my first startup company yet. But I’m getting there – I’m working toward it, and I know I’ll get there eventually (still working on coming up with that innovative idea myself – aren’t we all?)
Cheers Carlos! Great post.
Follow your passions indeed! And your passions, even if they don’t involve a salary, also need us to take risks. There’s no a doubt in my mind that you won’t have any problem with taking your chances. You’re one risky guy Matt!
Thanks for you comment man, it’s always an honor.
I love it. Since starting my blog I realized I’ve never worked so hard for so little monetary reward… and I’m happier than ever.
Exactly Lisis, as I was saying to Matt, some passions involve risks even if they don’t involve money. Our time is just as valuable. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
I am just finding your blog (thanks to Jenny Blake … Brazen Careerist … Modite). Love your perspective, your tone, your ability to cut straight to the heart of things while keeping your heart and mind open. Thank you for wonderful posts. Thought you might enjoy this brilliant commencement speech given by Paul Hawken at the University of Portland in May: http://www.dailygood.org/more.php?n=3697
it’s refreshing and inspiring – like your blog!
Paula, I’m really flattered. Thank you for those compliments, I’m honored.
I’m definitely reading that speech later, already bookmarked it
I’m glad you liked the blog, and thanks for the link sharing!
You’ll never know what you’re able to do until you try. Even if you “fail”, you’re still farther ahead in learning and experience than if you never tried.
Good post, blog too!
Absolutely agree Laurie, thanks for your thoughts!
Carlos, fantastic insight as always! One of the most difficult things about blogging and building an online community is learning how to deal with failure. Things won’t always work out the way you want, and that’s okay. It’s doesn’t mean you should give up forever, just try again. Great post!
And trying again has never been easier. Not even being lazy is a good excuse.
Thanks Sam!
We don’t emphasize that enough and you’re so right, Carlos. These community and connecting online tools are free. The old excuse of costing money can’t be used here. Great point!
Absolutely Grace, thanks for stopping by!