Failure. I was watching “The Apprentice” last night and one of the participants, who happened to be in hot soup (had to face the firing squad) suddenly asked Mr Trump if she could resign. A look of pure horror overwhelmed the panel. (Mr Trump and both his assistants). That’s how successful people look at quitting. Disgust. In fact, its not even in their dictionary. But what Mr Trump went on to say was something that made a lot of sense.

“You’re going to regret this decision someday in the future. This is no way to deal with failure. When I turn on the TV and watch a boxing match, I have the utmost respect for the boxer who stays in the ring and despite losing badly, continues to fight until he is knocked out. Who likes a boxer who quits when he is losing?“

And suddenly, I recall a line that is on “The Contender” tv series. “What Doesn’t Kill You, Makes You Stronger.” There are so many stories of failure and not quitting. The most notable is Jack Welch’s (former CEO of General Electric, GE) who blew up a plant when he was 25. Admit it: you would have fired him!

Who failed in business in 1831, was defeated for congress in 1832, failed in business again in 1834, had his sweetheart die in 1835, had a nervous breakdown in 1836, was defeated for Congress in 1838, 1843, 1846, 1848, was defeated for US Senate in 1855, defeated for Vice-President in 1856, defeated for US Senate in 1858 and was finally elected 16th President of USA in 1860? Answer: Abraham Lincoln, One of the Most Revered US Presidents in History

“If you fail, try, try again. Then bring in the stunt double.” - Arnold Schwarzenegger

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Recommended Books: “Why CEOs Fail” by David Dotlich (Read Chapter 4: Excessive Caution), “Success Built to Last: Creating a Life That Matters” - Jerry Porras (Read The Tripping Point)