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About this quote

What does it mean?
Success is statistically rare and usually follows many instances of failure.
In plain terms
Success is mostly made up of failure.
What can you take from it?
Expect and accept failure as the main path to success.

Where it applies

  • managing expectations
  • planning projects
  • mentoring others

Putting it to work

  • prepare for failure
  • normalize setbacks
  • focus on volume of attempts

Questions to consider

  • Does knowing success is rare motivate or discourage you?
  • How many failures did it take for you to succeed?

Another view

This view might feel discouraging without a growth mindset.

More from Soichiro Honda

  1. Success can only be achieved through repeated failure and introspection.

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  2. We only have one future, and it will be made of our dreams, if we have the courage to challenge convention.

    Permalink to quote #3

  3. Real happiness lies in the completion of work using your own brains and skills.

    Permalink to quote #4

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