Famous Failures (Achievement Nudge about Success through Belief)

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Last Updated on April 14, 2025 by Bill Truby

I’ve often heard that famous people who have failed, become successful by never giving up. I think otherwise…

You can easily find a list of, so called, “famous failures”: All-star, Michael Jordan, locked himself in his room and cried after being cut from his high school basketball team; Albert Einstein wasn’t able to speak until he was almost four years old, PLUS his teachers said he would never amount to much; Oprah Winfrey was demoted from her job as a news anchor because she, “Wasn’t fit for television”; Walt Disney got fired from a newspaper for “lacking imagination” and “having no original ideas”; Steve Jobs was devastated and depressed at the age of 30 when he was removed from the company he, himself, started! And the list goes on

The motivational point that is almost always made when these facts are presented is this: “You see, these people never gave up!” But I don’t think that’s what these “famous failures” focused on at all.

Attitude and behavior comes from beliefs. I don’t think Michael Jordan dribbled up to the basket thinking, “I’m not giving up” or “I’m not going to miss.” I’ve read a lot about Albert Einstein. Never have I read where he had this dogged, determined attitude of “I’m not giving up.” No. I believe there is a subtle, yet powerful difference, in the REAL “point” or lesson in these illustrations. It’s about belief.

When you believe you can make the basket, have fun playfully creating a cartoon mouse and a playground you believe people will come to, or ask a child-like question such as, “What would it be like to ride a beam of light,”…you are looking forward to something you BELIEVE you can achieve. In fact, a person with belief and drive MAY temporarily give up, take a break, get side-tracked or even feel beaten down. But the BELIEF that the person retains is what gets him off of his “Dorito-eating-TV-watching-couch-of-depression” and try again. “Not giving up” is not the focus. It is simply the by-product of believing.

Joann and I are no strangers to this kind of thinking and behavior. In her young days, Joann was a national champion roller skater. During a routine, while performing a lift, her partner dropped her. With a cracked skull, and blood running down her head, she finished that routine. She never thought about “not giving up.” Instead, she ignored the pain and blood, and believed she could finish. And she did.

I, too, know what it’s like to believe that there can be success despite horrible odds. At an early age, I learned that all successful, likable, and popular male movie stars had long faces. When I went to the mirror and found that I had a round face, did I give up? No! I ignored the odds and, to this day, I avoid mirrors and BELIEVE that I, too, can have success. I, too, can reach the same achievements as a long-faced man.

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This article is part of our ongoing Achievement Nudge series—short, witty, and often inspirational articles to spark your personal and professional growth. Explore more nudges on our blog, or sign up for our weekly Nudge and News email. Each edition includes an Achievement Nudge plus leadership, professional development, and personal growth videos and articles to keep you inspired and on track.

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