Chris Brogan on Failure

I don't believe that I've ever met someone who truly doesn't worry about failure in some aspect. Some are better at keeping those thoughts of failure pushed away most of the time but every now and then it creeps back into view.

Whether it’s in a relationship, career, foot race, or whatever other situation we find ourselves in, the fear of failure can prevent us from taking risks and ultimately gaining ground outside our comfort zone.

Here’s an excerpt from an email Chris Brogan sent on Sunday, September 13, 2015 that's simple yet illustrative.

P.S. If you like this, you should definitely subscribe to his email newsletter.

Another View of Failure

Think of failure as “an outcome you didn’t expect or want.” That’s what Tony Robbins taught me. It’s very freeing to consider failure that way. Instead of “Oh wow, you suck! You’re terrible! You’ll NEVER make it,” this kind of mindset is, “Huh, well, that’s not what I wanted to see happen. What do I do next?”

It’s a powerful reframing and it changes everything.

Actions You Can Take

Want to test this? DELIBERATELY do something you know you’ll fail at and work on accepting the response. For instance, take three bean bags or tennis balls down to the street corner and show off your juggling prowess (with no previous knowledge). Go to karaoke and belt out the lyrics to a song you don’t really know (especially if you can’t sing). Just let it out there, fail, and see if you die. (Hint: you won’t.)

Incomplete Thoughts

I have a good bit of blog drafts that I’m hesitant to share until I "complete" my thinking behind them but maybe sharing them in their current form is part of completing them and I’m missing out.

For those posts I share on this blog that I feel are incomplete, I’ll tag them as such so you know they're “supposed” be a random blurb rather than something more coherent. Just don’t judge me on those. Actually, I guess I don’t mind if you do.

Enjoy your week and make something awesome of it.

Unsplash and Apple Montreal

I recently submitted a few photos to Unsplash for anyone in need of a "non-stock stock image" to download and use and I'm extremely proud to have one photo in particular featured by Unsplash. The photo below was taken on my iPhone 5 while visiting Yosemite Valley a few years ago and I truly just stumbled into this shot as I emerged from my tent.


"All photos published on Unsplash are licensed under Creative Commons Zero which means you can copy, modify, distribute and use the photos for free, including commercial purposes, without asking permission from or providing attribution to the photographer or Unsplash."

There was an event recently at the Apple Store in Montreal and Unsplash showcased my photo in a huge 60x40" frame and then shared a photo of it through Twitter. I'm not a professional photographer but it made my day to see my photo displayed and enjoyed by so many people.

While I don't usually toot my own horn, pardon me while I do just that here.


August 20, 2015:

"Unsplash x Apple Inc. Partnership in Montreal. Last night, we got to feature some of Unsplash's photographs that were shot on an iPhone. The photographs were super awesome, and we received lots of love 😍 Thank you Apple and everyone that came out to support us."







Items of Want 030

Field Notes FN-01 (Graph Paper 3-Pack)


Can't go wrong with the classic Field Notes. "I'm not writing it down to remember it later, I'm writing it down to remember it now."

Photo by Strong Island

GORUCK 10/20/30 LB Ruck Plate Bundle


Specifically built for rucking. "The best weight to ruck. Ruck Plates are compact and fit seamlessly in our rucksacks for superior stability. Made in the USA to exacting standards of quality and craftsmanship, GORUCK Ruck Plates represent the very best of American manufacturing."

Alite Mantis Chair


 (Shown on right. Photo via ADV Rider)

"The Mantis Chair is a four-legged, stable version of our famous Monarch Chair. Have a seat and experience the extreme comfort of the seat’s higher base and larger sling. The Mantis Chair is much easier to carry than most heavy, bulky, outdoor chairs, and just as easy to setup. "

Harvard Law (Just Kidding) Shirt


"Dedicated to those smug trust fund kids who can't stop talking about their success. This parody Harvard shirt is a great way to express your complete apathy about Ivy League education."

Farm and Field Farmer Lock Pocket Knife


"The Farm & Field Farmer Lock pocket knife is a work horse of a knife by design.  This is the kind of knife your grandfather carried, and you will pass on to your grandchildren.  The 1095 tool steel blade comes out of the box with a razor edge and will hold it for a long time, but is easy to sharpen when needed.  Carbon steel blades are known for their ability to take and hold an edge, will take a little love to keep them rust free, but is well worth the effort.  The Orange Delrin handle is durable and easy to find in you bag or if dropped on the ground.  This model has a traditional lock back mechanism.

Farm & Field Tool Farmer Lock knives are built with 1095 Tool Steel blades and springs as well as reinforced pins for the most difficult of cutting tasks.  Farm & Field Tool Knives combine affordability with quality of a 100% American Made product. It’s a can’t miss combination that we are proud to offer to our customers. Whether you are in the field or on the farm, we hope these knives earn a spot in your pocket and in your tool box.

Great eastern Cutlery is located in Titusville, PA.  Founded in 2006 and Owned by Master Knifemakers Ken Daniels and Bill Howard, who was chief designer at Queen Cutlery for many years, Great Eastern Cutlery brings 60 years of industry leadership to its products.  They have earned a reputation for being the very best pocket knives in the industry, their quality speaks for itself.  If you buy a Great Eastern Knife, you will be pleased."

— Check out past Items of Want —