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We live in uncertain times.

As of this writing, we are living in one of the strangest times in modern history. High tensions and uncertainty have become the norm amid the pandemic. Work is different. School has changed. Life itself is just weird.

There are many people struggling right now in their professional and personal life due to reasons that are out of their control. There are many who are in fear of failing and losing grip of the life that they know. But failure isn’t permanent unless you decide that it is. Change itself is a normal part of life, and with this change comes setbacks and hurdles that we have to get through, regardless of who we are.

Turning your failures into success is a very real process. Just ask anyone who has ever been successful. If you are in a season of failure and setback, know that you aren’t alone. Know that it won’t be this way forever. Know that you have time to turn things around and to not only get back to where you were but to come out of all of this stronger.

In order to turn your failure into success, you must first define three concepts for yourself:

Failure

Failing isn’t just a lack of success. Sure, to have failed is to have not reached the goal or goals that you originally set in place. Before you can begin to learn from your failures, you have to change the definition. What you will find is that within nearly every failure are small victories. Small hints that allow you to foresee future successes. You may not have succeeded, but you may have found out what you need to work on. You may have come very close. Maybe the timing was off, maybe the approach was off. But you have reference points for next time.

Before you can begin to learn from your failures, you have to change the definition. What you will find is that within nearly every failure are small victories.

Failure is a large part of life and most certainly part of business. I have failed over and over again in my life. I have made decisions that were wrong. I have experienced great setbacks in my career. These setbacks were the seed, and by watering them, I was able to harvest the fruits of my labor. I became successful through these setbacks. Failure is not to be feared any more than morning traffic. You know it exists, but you also know that you will still reach your destination.

Remember that the enemy of success is the fear of failure. Do not be afraid to fail. It is a fundamental element of our success.

Success

Everyone talks about success, but what is it? Success is not defined by society. It’s not defined by your friends or family. Success is personal. For some, it may truly be that new house or car, and there’s nothing wrong with that. For others, it may be the ability to simply live comfortably, to travel or to provide for your family. Whatever your definition of success is, you have to strive toward that. But regardless of your own idea of success, I can promise you one thing: It will require hard work.

Define success for you. Not for those around you.

David VillaCEO - iPD Agency

There aren’t any shortcuts to success, and get-rich-quick schemes won’t work. You can be the wealthiest person on Earth, and if you aren’t fulfilled or happy, then you aren’t successful. Define success for you. Not for those around you. Remember that success is the accomplishment of an aim or purpose, which brings me to my next topic.

Purpose

Just as a ship with no compass will float aimlessly, if you don’t know your purpose, then you won’t reach a destination that you’re happy with. You have to figure out what makes you tick. Where does your purpose lie, and how can you ensure that you uncover it? For most, finding their purpose doesn’t come easy. It is a journey that can take years, but it is crucial for your own happiness to figure this out. Study yourself. Take inventory of what makes you happy and what you genuinely enjoy doing. What are you passionate about? What drives you? Why do you get out of bed in the mornings? It has to be more than just money. You have to have a purpose. Don’t chase wealth, chase your purpose. Wealth is attached to it.

I am reminded of Michael Jordan, tenacious basketball legend, and his thoughts on failure versus success: “I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. Twenty-six times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”

Losing today doesn’t mean that you can’t win tomorrow. It’s okay to fall. What’s important is to pick yourself up, dust yourself off and continue marching forward.

David Villa

David Villa is the Founder and CEO of iPD Agency, a marketing and media firm that works with over 600 companies in several industries across the United States and Canada. David has over 20 years of national sales and executive management experience. Since the establishment of iPD Agency in 1995, David has been responsible for pioneering, growing, and scaling iPD into one of the nation’s leading database management, business development, and digital marketing companies in the automotive industry and beyond. In addition to his sales and leadership experience, David is also a dedicated follower of Christ. He credits his success to those who he’s been privileged enough to call his teammates, and to his savior Jesus Christ.