What is Failure?

I took some time off from my daily reading for a while. Not by choice, I just in all honesty got lazy. Summer is a busy time for my business, which is wonderful. I love staying busy and having work but it doesn't always leave much down time, and since the other part of my life lately is lifting i didn't pick up my books for a bit. However, I recently was motivated to start again. This week, i picked up my journal and got busy filling my heart and soul with beautiful words of authors again and it gives me so much energy for everything else. 

John C. Maxwell has been an author I've been reading from lately, and I purchased The Complete 101 Collection after enjoying two of his previous books. it's a collection of smaller books he wrote, and i'm already feeling inspired and strong as I read. I'm on Attitude, and a few chapters about failure and success.

A lot of times, i hear people talking about their dreams and being afraid of failure. Many times it's disguised fear as they make excuses like they don't have enough money, it's not the right time, or waiting for something to fall into their lap. 

I'm passionate about photography and lifting heavy weight and let me tell you, i tend to fail a lot. Especially in the beginning of my photography career (don't get my wrong, i still make mistakes and get frustrated)  when i didn't know what to do, or how to fix it or couldn't get the outcome i envisioned, i felt i was failing. Luckily, i was working with about 10 other photographers and since it wasn't an option just to not try, I had to keep going. There were tough days when i was told i wasn't good, days i would go home crying, i didn't see improvement, but i knew it's what i loved. i did what i could, followed other photographers, went to conventions to learn, stalked online, and practiced as much as i could surrounding myself with people who were better than me. I didn't wait until i had more money, or until the time i was right. i started by purchasing the best camera i could and a kit lens in college. i couldn't even pay it off for years and it wasn't expensive. i practiced all the time, and didn't wait for opportunities but asked people (and made people) if i could photograph them. i jumped at a job that would put me in the position to be photographing weddings daily as a second shooter. I'm not telling you this to say i'm better or have it figured out, i'm telling you this because whatever goal or dream you have you can start now. Start before you're ready. 

Lifting can be looked at it the same way. There are days i can't physically get the weight up that a week ago i could. There are times when i know i could do better, and for whatever reason just have a bad day. I definitely don't give up. i finish my workout, and know that the next time, i'll get it. and maybe i won't. i might not get heavy weight up for a few weeks or months. i have set backs where i tweak my back or my knee and i have to take it easy. Weight lifting has taught me patience in a way nothing else has. Only by my daily efforts can i see that physical change I want. Patience is still something huge i struggle with, but I know with time and daily practice, I will continue to lift more than I ever thought i could when i first started.  

Basically, "every successful person is someone who failed, yet never regarded himself as a failure." I fail a lot. i reach out to blogs, people, organizations for photography. I get turned down, I don't get every job i feel I'd be perfect for. I still sometimes can't get those shots i envision. But i work on it. i get better every day, and practice on my own time so when a client desires a certain look, i can feel confident about it. 

I'm not a failure, I just failed at doing something, but it's only a momentary event, while i strive to get better. 

So why am i sharing this today? You're not alone. No one wants to be seen as a failure, or think they worked hard for nothing. I'm also telling you, every successful person you see or admire has endured failures too. Theodore Roosevelt said " There has not yet been a person in our history who led a life of ease whose name is worth remembering." I fail often. But each time I"m turned down, don't get the weight i want up off the ground, or don't place in a competition, It's still great experience, i get more out of my comfort zone to keep trying and eventually there's that yes, winning, or getting the weight up. it takes time, practice, and lots of failing. 

So what is failure?- it's when you stop trying after there's a setback. but when you overcome that setback, i promise that's where the most reward lies. 

So instead of leaving you with just the keep going after it talk, i want you to know i'm here. you can email davistaphotography@me.com and ask any questions. Whether it's fitness, how i stay motivated, books or anything. I'd Love to hear from you!