Last updated on February 8th, 2024
Hey there, all you aspiring moguls, dreamers, and serial hobbyists!
Welcome to the blog post that’s going to make you feel a whole lot better about that time you tried to bake a cake and ended up with a charcoal brick, or when you launched your first start-up and it went down faster than a lead balloon.
Why, you ask? Because today, we’re talking about famous people who failed, tripped, and skidded their fashionable derrieres across the pavement of life before they found success.
The Michael Jordans who didn’t make their high school basketball teams, the Oprah Winfreys who got fired from their first reporting gigs, and the Steve Jobses who got booted from their own companies.
Failure: it’s not just for losers anymore! In fact, it’s like the universe’s way of saying, “Hey, you! Yeah, you. You’re not quite there yet, but keep going!”
It’s the school of hard knocks, where the tuition is paid in tears and the graduation ceremony involves a lot less pomp and circumstance and a lot more grit and resilience.
So grab your favorite snack, put your feet up, and prepare to feel a whole lot better about your life choices.
Because if these titans of industry and paragons of success can turn their “Whoopsie-daisies” into “Watch me nows,” then so can you!
What Defines Success and Failure
Let’s clear some things first. To win, you don’t need to be on the Forbes list of billion-dollar babies or own a gold-bedecked skyscraper.
Success is relative and highly personal. Could be mastering Grandma’s secret cookie recipe or buying your first preloved car.
Success: The Glittery Unicorn
Success is often seen as the glittery unicorn of life—a magical, elusive creature that everyone is chasing but only a few manage to catch.
In the mainstream narrative, success is often equated with wealth, fame, and a jaw-dropping LinkedIn profile. You know, the kind that makes you think, “Wow, this person has it all together.
They must eat kale for breakfast and meditate for three hours a day.”
But here’s the twist: Success is subjective. For some, it might mean climbing the corporate ladder and becoming the CEO of a Fortune 500 company.
For others, it could be as simple as achieving a work-life balance, spending quality time with family, or finally mastering the art of sourdough bread.
Failure: The Not-So-Scary Monster Under the Bed
Ah, failure. The word alone can send shivers down your spine, like finding out your favorite TV show has been canceled just when it was getting good.
But failure isn’t the end of the world; it’s more like a detour on the road to success. Think of it as the universe’s way of saying, “Wrong turn, buddy. Recalculating route.”
Failure provides valuable lessons, like a stern but loving teacher who makes you redo your homework until you get it right. It’s a stepping stone, not a tombstone.
And just like success, failure is also subjective. One person’s failure could be another person’s “almost there.”
The Yin and Yang
Success and failure are two sides of the same coin, the yin and yang of life experiences. You often can’t have one without the other, like peanut butter and jelly or Netflix and chill.
They coexist in a delicate balance, each giving depth and meaning to the other.
So the next time you find yourself either catching that glittery unicorn or staring down the not-so-scary monster under the bed, remember:
Both are part of the journey, and both have something valuable to teach you.
Now, go forth and redefine your own success and failure. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll find that they’re not so different after all.
Famous Failures who Found Success
Right. Now that we have that out in the open, let’s spill the tea on some big names that tangoed with failure before they salsa-ed with success.
Famous Entrepreneurs
If you’ve ever tripped and face-planted right into life’s many hurdles, don’t worry, you are in great company!
Sift through the early stories of accomplished entrepreneurship and you’ll find a gold mine of spectacular failures, botched ideas, and yes, even firings.
1. Steve Jobs: The Orchestrator of the iRevolution
Remember when Steve Jobs, one of my favorite creative geniuses, got booted from Apple, the very company he co-founded in his parent’s garage? Ouch!
But instead of wallowing in self-pity, Jobs founded NeXT, a computer platform development company that was eventually acquired by Apple.
This led to his triumphant return as Apple’s CEO, where he revolutionized consumer electronics with products like the iPhone, iPod, and iPad. And the rest, as they giggle in Silicon Valley, is tech history.
Jobs’ story is a testament to the power of resilience and vision, proving that sometimes you have to get kicked out of your own kingdom to truly become a king.
2. Walt Disney: The Dreamer Who Built a Kingdom
Walt Disney was told he “lacked imagination and had no good ideas” by a newspaper editor who fired him. Disney took this criticism and turned it into the fuel that powered his dreams.
He went on to create Disney Studios, Disneyland, and Disney World, forever changing the landscape of entertainment. His story reminds us that the only limitations that exist are the ones we place on ourselves.
Perseverance and Creativity
Disney took the criticism in stride, put on his big boy pants, and built the most iconic entertainment company on the planet. So much for not having good ideas, eh?
3. Oprah Winfrey: The Queen of Transformation
Oprah Winfrey was fired from her first television job for being “too emotionally invested.” Instead of seeing this as a setback, Oprah used her emotional intelligence to connect with audiences on a deeper level.
She went on to become a media mogul, philanthropist, and one of the most influential women in the world. Oprah’s journey shows us that our so-called “weaknesses” can often be our greatest strengths.
Turning Setbacks into Strengths
Oprah turned her emotional vulnerability into her superpower. And, seriously, who doesn’t want a superpower? I’ll take two, please and thank you.
These stories are juicy reminders that failure is often a stepping stone to success, and not the finish line. So folks, keep failing—it’s the breakfast of champions!
4. Colonel Sanders: The Late Bloomer of Fast Food
Colonel Harland Sanders didn’t find his calling until he was 62, proving it’s never too late to fry up some success.
Before KFC, he juggled various jobs and even faced over 1,000 rejections when trying to franchise his secret chicken recipe.
Here’s a laugh-riot for you: Colonel Sanders, got his secret chicken recipe rejected 1,009 times before a restaurant finally accepted it.
Now I’m not sure what’s funnier: trying something 1,009 times or rejecting fried chicken 1,009 times…
From $105 to Global Empire
Starting with just a $105 Social Security check, Sanders persisted until he found a franchisee willing to take a chance on his 11 herbs and spices. Fast forward, and KFC is now a global fast-food giant.
The Colonel’s Legacy
Sanders’ story serves as a bite-sized lesson in resilience and the power of never giving up, no matter your age or how many times you’ve heard the word “no.”
So the next time you savor some Kentucky Fried Chicken, remember: you’re not just enjoying chicken; you’re tasting the result of unyielding determination.
5. Bill Gates: The Dropout Who Opened Windows
Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft, is often celebrated as one of the world’s richest and most successful entrepreneurs. But did you know he was a Harvard dropout and his first business venture was a failure?
The Flop That Led to the Top
Gates and his business partner, Paul Allen, started a company called Traf-O-Data, which aimed to process and analyze traffic data.
The venture was a flop, but it provided the duo with valuable experience and insights.
From Windows to Philanthropy
Gates went on to co-found Microsoft, introducing the Windows operating system that became ubiquitous around the world.
He later transitioned to philanthropy, using his wealth to tackle global challenges through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
The Software of Resilience
Bill Gates shows us that even when your first venture crashes, it doesn’t mean you’re out of the game. His story is a lesson in the power of resilience, adaptability, and the willingness to learn from failures.
Bill Gates exemplify how setbacks can be setups for monumental successes.
His story remind us that the road to success is often paved with failures, each one an opportunity to learn, adapt, and come back stronger.
Accomplished Artists and Writers
Speaking of failures, let’s fling open the gilded pages of history and dust off the stories of some pretty accomplished artists and writers!
These fantastic humans have one thing in common: they got more “no’s” than a teenager asking for a month-long curfew extension!
6. Vincent van Gogh: The Misunderstood Genius
Let’s dive right into the deep-end with our man, Vincent van Gogh. This guy was a walking disaster when it comes to selling art.
In his lifetime, he only sold one painting, and that was to his supportive brother.
Talk about family support! Just imagine being known as the ‘brother of the guy who can’t sell a painting.’ Hey, it’s better than being completely unknown, right?
Despite this lack of commercial success, he never stopped painting. Today, he’s considered one of the greatest artists of all time.
His story is a poignant reminder that the value of your work does not always reflect immediate recognition or financial reward.
7. J. K. Rowling: The Wizard of Words
Next stop, J.K. Rowling. Queen of the Wizarding World, billionaire author, and…rejected by 12 publishing houses! Now that sounds like a Harry Potter curse!
J.K. Rowling, the creator of the Harry Potter series, faced numerous rejections from publishers before Bloomsbury took a chance on her manuscript.
Now, she’s one of the wealthiest and most beloved authors in the world. Rowling’s journey teaches us that rejection is often just a detour on the road to unparalleled success.
But, as we all know, she had the last laugh, with her Hogwarts crew finding a home at Bloomsbury Publishing. Phew, I bet those 12 publishers are still kicking themselves!
Resilience and Creativity
Mind you, folks, everything that glitters is not gold. Sometimes it’s brass, waiting to be molded into something fabulous.
Van Gogh and Rowling’s journeys teach us about resilience and creativity in the face of constant criticism and rejection.
8. Stephen King: The Master of Horror and Perseverance
By the way, did you know Stephen King got so many rejections for his first novel “Carrie” that he actually threw the manuscript away in frustration?
But thanks to a supportive wife who believes in dumpster diving, the manuscript was saved and eventually sold.
Thankfully, his wife retrieved it and encouraged him to keep going.
King’s story is a lesson in the power of persistence and the importance of having someone who believes in you, even when you don’t believe in yourself.
Persistence and Mastery of Craft
From King’s experience, we should take away the lesson of persistence and mastery of craft. Quite an inspirational guy, ain’t he? Just goes to show; failure isn’t the end – sometimes, it’s just the beginning.
Visionary Scientists and Innovators
Ah, life! It’s brimming with masters-in-the-making who are yet to brandish their magic wand.
We’re diving into some phenomenal human beings who, at some point, took a nose dive in this deep pool we call failure. But hey, they came out smelling like roses!
9. Albert Einstein: The Rebel Genius
We’re opening the curtain with the king of brains. Yep, you know who I am talking about: Mr. E=mc² himself, Albert Einstein.
This lovable genius with wild hair wasn’t exactly the star pupil in his early years. In fact, his headmaster once exclaimed that he would never amount to anything.
Oh, sweet irony! Yet, this did not deter our hero, who went on to rewrite the script of physics!
Einstein’s unconventional thinking led him to develop the theory of relativity, fundamentally changing our understanding of space, time, and gravity.
His life teaches us that traditional measures of success and intelligence are often inadequate indicators of potential.
Perseverance and Unconventional Thinking
Alright, let’s address the elephant in the room; Einstein was a rule-breaker. We’ve all heard that thinking outside the box is encouraged, but Einstein went ahead and threw the box out the window!
He dared to question widely accepted theories, introducing fresh, outlandish ideas that eventually rocked our understanding of the universe.
10. Thomas Edison: The Inventor of Failure (and Success)
Next up, we’ve got the Sultan of Bulb, Thomas Edison. His journey to the bright light wasn’t currently electrifying, as he had to contend with a thousand unsuccessful attempts.
But his failure-instilled wisdom radiates in his words, “I haven’t failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”
Despite numerous setbacks and failures, Edison went on to hold over 1,000 patents and invented devices that changed the world, like the phonograph and the electric light bulb.
His story is a glowing example of how perseverance can literally illuminate the path to success
Inventiveness and Trial-and-Error Approach
Thomas Edison was a testament to the notion that where there’s a will, there’s light. Okay, forgive my modification, but Edison’s story proves that failure is merely the curtain-raiser to triumphant success.
11. Marie Curie: The Pioneer of Persistence
Marie Curie faced numerous obstacles, from being a penniless immigrant to dealing with gender bias in a male-dominated field.
Despite these challenges, she became the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and remains the only person to win Nobel Prizes in two different scientific fields—physics and chemistry.
Curie’s life is a powerful testament to the idea that with enough determination and resilience, you can overcome any obstacle.
Commitment to Science and Legacy
Who would’ve guessed that a penniless immigrant would turn out to be a two-time Nobel laureate?
Madam Curie, with her unwavering commitment, proved that failure is not the opposite of success, but part of it. She inadvertently invented the glow in the dark with her discovery of radium and polonium.
12. James Dyson: The Man of 5,127 Attempts
James Dyson, the name synonymous with revolutionary vacuum cleaners, didn’t find success overnight. In fact, it took him 5,127 prototypes to create the first bagless vacuum cleaner that used cyclonic separation.
He faced numerous setbacks, including initial market rejection and patent infringement battles.
The Cyclone of Persistence
Instead of giving up, Dyson used each failure as a lesson to improve his design. His relentless pursuit of innovation eventually paid off.
Today, Dyson Ltd. is a multi-billion-dollar company, and its founder is one of the UK’s richest individuals.
The Suction of Success
Dyson’s journey is a powerful example of how relentless innovation and a refusal to accept failure can lead to groundbreaking success.
His story teaches us that sometimes you have to suck it up (literally, in his case) and keep going, no matter the obstacles.
“I made 5,127 prototypes of my vacuum before I got it right. There were 5,126 failures. But I learned from each one. That’s how I came up with a solution.”……..James Dyson.
Politics and Sports
13. Abraham Lincoln: A Masterclass in Resilience and Perseverance
Abraham Lincoln’s journey to the White House is like a masterclass in grit and tenacity. Imagine failing in business, struggling in farming, and getting handed defeat in elections not once, not twice, but eight times!
Most people would throw in the towel, but not Lincoln.
This man turned every setback into a setup for a greater comeback.
His story is a powerful lesson in perseverance, showing us that failure isn’t a full stop but rather a comma in the long sentence of life’s experiences.
Lincoln’s resilience didn’t just change his own fate; it changed the course of an entire nation.
So the next time you face a setback, think of Honest Abe. If he could go from a string of failures to becoming one of the most revered leaders in history, it’s a solid reminder that the only real failure is giving up.
14. Michael Jordan: The Legend Born from Failure
Believe it or not, Michael Jordan was cut from his high school varsity basketball team. Instead of seeing it as a failure, he used it as fuel to work harder.
He practiced relentlessly, honing his skills until he not only made the team the following year but also became its star player.
The result? Six NBA championships, five MVP awards, and a legacy as one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
That work ethic followed him throughout his career, turning him into the legend we know today.
The Numbers Don’t Lie, But They Don’t Tell the Whole Story
Jordan himself said, “I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 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.”
The Legacy of Air Jordan
Michael Jordan’s story is a slam dunk example of how setbacks can be setups for future successes. His career serves as a powerful lesson in resilience, showing us that even the greatest have stumbled on their way to greatness.
So the next time you face a failure, think of Jordan. It’s not about the shots you miss, but the ones you take after that define you.
What We Can Learn from Their Stories?
These stories remind us that we need to laugh at our failures, just as these successful people did. Getting back on the horse, time and again, is what brought them eventual success.
The lesson here? Never let failure deter you; instead, let it fuel your journey forward, and keep a good sense of humor about it!
Final Thoughts: Successful People Who Failed Before Succeeding
As we wrap up this whirlwind tour through the lives of some of the most iconic figures in history, let’s take a moment to reflect on the golden thread that ties all these stories together: the incredible power of perseverance and resilience.
From Steve Jobs getting kicked out of his own company to Abraham Lincoln’s string of electoral defeats, these individuals teach us that failure isn’t a dead-end street but a detour on the road to greatness.
Then there’s Thomas Edison, whose teachers told him he was “too dumb to learn anything”. Eureka! Who’s laughing now as he lightbulbed his way to brilliance?
They show us that setbacks are not stumbling blocks but stepping stones that can lead us to our ultimate goals.
So, whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a budding artist, or someone who’s just had a rough day, remember this: Failure is often the universe’s way of saying, “Not this way, try another.” It’s not a sign to stop; it’s a sign to pivot, to reassess, and to come back stronger.
In a world that often glorifies success while shunning failure, let’s celebrate the beauty of the bounce-back. After all, it’s not how many times you fall that defines you, but how many times you get back up.
Here’s to your future successes, and the inevitable failures that will make them all the sweeter. Cheers!