You know these famous people by their many successes...but what you might not know is that they failed greatly first.
Failure is often misunderstood as quality for the weak and doomed, but more times than not, failure is the very driving force behind the strong and successful. You know these famous people by their many successes...but what you might not know is that they failed greatly first. If there is anything that their inspiring stories can teach us it is this: NEVER GIVE UP.
Walt Disney
“All the adversity I've had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me...You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you.” -Walt Disney
The man behind the happiest place on earth was fired by the editor of a newspaper because he "lacked imagination and had no good ideas." He then started a number of businesses that failed and ended with bankruptcy. That didn't stop him from bringing life to one of the most beloved animated characters, Mickey Mouse and becoming the recipient of 22 academy awards.
Abraham Lincoln
“My great concern is not whether you have failed, but whether you are content with your failure.” –Abraham Lincoln
President Abraham Lincoln saw his share of failure and defeat in his lifetime before becoming one of our nation's greatest leaders. Thirty years prior to winning the presidental election, he lost his job, failed at business, had a nervous breakdown and lost 8 elections. Instead of giving into the failure, he persisted to become the 16th President of the United States of America.
Michael Jordan
“I've failed over and over again in my life and that is why I succeed.” –Michael Jordan
At 5'11", Michael Jordan was cut from his High School basketball team because he was deemed "too short." Instead of throwing in the towel, Michael went home, laced-up his shoes and practiced every day and night rigorously until the following year when he made the team. By his senior year, he was selected to the prestigious McDonald's All-American Team and was recruited by numerous elite college basketball programs. He now remains one of the greatest basketball players in history with 6 NBA Championships, 5 NBA MVP Awards and 4 NBA All-Star Awards.
Steve Jobs
“If I try my best and fail. Well, I'v tried my best.” –Steve Jobs
Dropping out of college and quitting his first job to "find himself" didn't inhibit the Apple mastermind from becoming wildly successful. Even along the path to success, he was unceremoniously forced to leave the company that he started. Upon his return years later, he brought with him innovation and drive that made Apple the world's most iconic and successful technology brands.
The Beatles
In 1962 The Beatles auditioned for Decca Records in north London and were immediately rejected by the label saying that "guitar groups are on the way out" and "The Beatles have no future in show business." It didn't take long for the Beatles to prove them very wrong, as months later their song "Please Please Me" reached number one and today they remain the best-selling band in history.
Marilyn Monroe
“Just because you fail once, doesn't mean you're gonna fail at everything. Keep trying, hold on, and always, always, always believe in yourself. Because if you don't, then who will, sweetie?” –Marilyn Monroe
One of the world's most iconic and beautiful women was told early on by a modeling agency that she should consider being a secretary instead. She not only became a highly coveted model, but also had a successful acting and singing career.
Orpah Winfrey
“Think like a queen. A queen is not afraid to fall. Failure is another steppingstone to greatness." –Oprah Winfrey
Oprah was demoted from her job as a news anchor after her boss told her she was too emotional and "not right for television." She went on to create one of the highest ranking shows in American history and is one of the richest and most influential women in the world.
Albert Einstein
“Failure is success in progress."–Albert Einstein
Albert Einstein wasn't able to speak until he was almost 4 years-old and not fluently until he was about 9. Throughout elementary school his teachers thought he was lazy, distracted and would "never amount to much." He was even expelled from school for his rebellious behavior and rejected from the Zurich Polytechnic School. Today, his name is synonymous with "genius." He developed the Theory of Relativity and his discovery won him the Nobel Prize. He remains one of the world's greatest pioneers of physics.
Dr. Seuss
“And will you succeed? Yes! You will indeed! (98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed)." - Dr. Seuss
There is hardly a child in America that wasn't influenced by the wise and comforting words from the pages of a Dr. Seuss book. Theodor Seuss Seisel's first book was rejected by 27 publishers before one was ever printed. If he hadn't persisted, his prolific writing wouldn't have made it into our lives and he would not have become the Best Selling Children's Author in history.