Feature Article: Failing for Dollars...

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Failing for Dollars...

Dear Associate,

I plunged into a side business in 1996. I had no background, and little training. And of course, it became a failure.

But I learned that "it" was not the one that failed. It was "me" who failed. Those were tough words to own up to.

I watched others who knew exactly what they were doing. And I asked myself:

"What does it take to become successful like them?
Why wasn't I blessed with their talents?
How do I earn that kind of money?"

I had to admit—I was clueless.

Then one side business led to another, which led to more failures. It wasn't the failures that disturbed me as much as not knowing why I failed.

Then I was introduced to self-development: getting coached from success leaders who walked their talk. I must confess—I wasn't a big fan. I hadn't picked up any books since college, and "reading" was no longer in my vocabulary.

But I highly respected my friend who introduced me. He said, "Listen to these tapes and tell me what you think."

It's because of those circumstances that I'm writing you today. You see, I had chosen my vision and was living it. Little did I know—it was a tiny one.

My job paid well, but I became braindead. My mind turned into mush. The repetitive patterns subdued my right-brain creativity. Or more accurately, it testifed I had little brainwave activity to begin with.

I devoured the books and tapes, took on a few mentors, and became a serious student. But this time, I chose my faculty and my courses. I didn't have to pick from a limited school list.

I played tapes while driving to work, read books during my breaks, and booked flights to attend seminars. I learned to invest in myself, break bad habits, and change course. I have to admit—change isn't fun. Just necessary.

So I traded my tiny vision for a larger one. I knew I had found my calling. A calling I couldn't see before.

And I bet you have a larger vision than the one you're living.

You have dreams and goals that have been latent for years. You know it's easier going lateral than vertical. And you have layers of hidden fears... of failure... and success.

Which is why I'm writing you...

I have been where you are now. I have struggled with the same stuff you do. And I have transformed from a person who didn't believe in myself, to a person who helps people strenthen theirs.

Which is why I'm publishing this special weekly e-zine.

Each week we'll explore what's holding you back from success. We'll touch on surface stuff as well as the stuff that's beneath the surface. We may touch on topics that will hit a nerve—but that's okay. Because it's usually the topics we have difficulty with that are the ones holding us back the most.

We'll learn together - you and I - for we are partners in this fellowship. If you're looking for a guru, please count me out. I am not qualified to be your guru, but your guide.

And because many of you are involved in business, I'll share moneymaking marketing strategies that can transform your promos overnight. This is not the stuff you get from university professors whose only claim to fame is rewriting someone else's marketing book. This is real world, in-the-trenches techniques that can mean the difference between profits or losses.

Each issue of Tommy's Tease won't be restricted to a rigid format. If there's a pressing issue that needs addressing, we'll head in that direction. I designed it this way because most of us are living patterned, structured lives. And we need a shot of creativity and spontaneity if we expect to see beyond the ordinary to reach higher levels of success.

So I have to ask, "What are you failing at lately?"

If you're not failing at all—you may not be trying very hard. You're comfortable in your comfort zone. You're guilty of taking baby steps and not venturing from the crib.

Which means your one-year goal has now become a seven-year goal. The Mercedes you wanted doesn't come in your color. And of course, it's childish to show up the Joneses.

Hogwash!

Failing is part of the success equation. Everyone fails. But only those who get back up have a real chance at reaping the rewards.

Please don't make failure your goal, but picture it as the ultimate teacher. Once you've gone through it, sort it inside a folder. Just like this e-zine.

So don't treat failure as an enemy or something to avoid. It will come. The secret is not giving up at the first sign of disappointment. Keep focused on your goals and you'll learn to leverage failure to your advantage.

Warm regards,
Tommy Yan