The #1 Way to Fail is Not to Try

 Entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart. It’s a journey filled with highs and lows, wins and losses, and moments of both confidence and doubt. The single biggest factor that separates successful entrepreneurs from those who never make it is not intelligence, connections, or even funding—it’s the willingness to try.

Many people dream of starting their own business, pursuing their passion, or breaking free from the conventional 9-to-5 routine. But fear, self-doubt, and the possibility of failure hold them back. The truth is, that the only way to guarantee failure is to never try at all.

The Power of Trying

Success in business—and in life—comes from taking action. You can have the most brilliant ideas, the most detailed plans, and the most inspiring dreams, but none of it matters if you don’t take that first step. Trying is what transforms ideas into reality, and action is what separates dreamers from doers.

Many aspiring entrepreneurs spend years waiting for the "perfect" time to start their business. They wait until they feel ready, until they have more money, until they have more experience. But here’s the secret: You will never feel 100% ready. Growth happens through action, and the lessons you learn along the way are what truly prepare you for success.

Developing a Thick Skin

One of the biggest obstacles to trying is the fear of failure or criticism. Many people hold themselves back because they’re afraid of what others might think. They worry about looking foolish, making mistakes, or facing rejection. But if you’re serious about succeeding, you have to develop a thick skin.

Every entrepreneur will face criticism, rejection, and setbacks. Some people won’t understand your vision. Some will doubt you. Some will even actively try to discourage you. But their opinions do not define your potential. The most successful people in the world—business leaders, innovators, artists, and athletes—have all faced rejection. What sets them apart is their ability to push forward despite it.

The key is to reframe failure and criticism as part of the process. Instead of seeing setbacks as reasons to quit, view them as valuable learning experiences. Every mistake teaches you something. Every rejection makes you stronger. Every setback is an opportunity to refine your approach and come back even better.

Getting Comfortable with Risk

Risk-taking is an unavoidable part of entrepreneurship. No one builds a successful business by playing it safe. Whether it’s investing your time, your money, or your reputation, you have to be willing to take chances.

Of course, this doesn’t mean being reckless. Smart risk-taking involves calculated decisions, weighing potential outcomes, and learning from both successes and failures. But at the end of the day, taking action—even when there’s a risk involved—is what moves you forward.

Some of the biggest success stories in business came from people who took major risks. Think of Steve Jobs, who was fired from Apple before coming back to revolutionize the tech industry. Think of Oprah Winfrey, who was told she wasn’t fit for television. These individuals didn’t let failure define them. They took risks, learned from their experiences, and ultimately succeeded because they refused to give up.

Embracing Failure as a Stepping Stone

Failure is not the opposite of success; it’s part of the journey to success. Every successful entrepreneur has faced setbacks, made mistakes, and fallen short at some point. What separates them from those who never succeed is their ability to get back up.

If you’ve ever tried something and failed, congratulations! That means you’re in the game. The only people who never fail are those who never try. Each failure is a lesson that gets you one step closer to where you want to be.

Instead of seeing failure as something to be feared, start seeing it as a stepping stone. What did you learn? What can you do differently next time? How can you use this experience to grow? Every setback contains the seeds of your next success, as long as you’re willing to learn from it and keep going.

The Mindset Shift: From Fear to Determination

To truly embrace the entrepreneurial journey, you have to shift your mindset from fear to determination. Instead of thinking, “What if I fail?” start asking, “What if I succeed?” Instead of focusing on what could go wrong, focus on what could go right.

Your mindset determines your actions, and your actions determine your success. If you let fear dictate your choices, you’ll always stay in your comfort zone. But if you develop the habit of taking action despite fear, you’ll open yourself up to endless possibilities.

Practical Steps to Take Action

If you’re feeling stuck or afraid to try, here are some practical steps to help you move forward:

1. Start Before You Feel Ready

You don’t need all the answers before you take action. Start where you are, with what you have, and learn as you go. Progress is better than perfection.

2. Take Small, Consistent Steps

You don’t have to make a giant leap overnight. Set small, achievable goals and commit to making progress every day. Consistency is key to long-term success.

3. Surround Yourself with Supportive People

Entrepreneurship can feel lonely, but you don’t have to do it alone. Find a community of like-minded individuals who will support, encourage, and challenge you to keep going.

4. Reframe Failure as Growth

Change your perspective on failure. Instead of seeing it as something negative, view it as a necessary part of the learning process. The faster you fail, the faster you learn, and the faster you grow.

5. Celebrate Your Wins—Big and Small

Acknowledge your progress, no matter how small. Every step forward is an achievement. Celebrating your wins keeps you motivated and reminds you how far you’ve come.

The Only Real Failure is Not Trying

At the end of the day, the only way to truly fail is to never try. Fear, doubt, and uncertainty are normal—but they should never hold you back from pursuing your dreams. Every successful entrepreneur has faced obstacles, but what sets them apart is their willingness to take action despite those challenges.

So go for it. Start the business. Launch the idea. Take the risk. Make mistakes. Learn the lessons. And when you fall down, get back up and try again because the only way to guarantee failure is to never try in the first place.

Now, take a moment to reflect: What’s one thing you’ve been holding back on because of fear or uncertainty? What’s one small step you can take today to move forward? The journey to success starts with action—so start today!

Are you ready to take the first step? A great place to begin is by establishing a strong mind and clear vision. We can help! Check out our online course Master Your Business Mindset.