Failing our Way to Success

http://thegradstudentway.com/blog/?p=632

I am an expert at the failed execution of great ideas. The journey of building a business around an abstract passion is intimidating, stressful, and thrilling. At times people do not see my vision or , do to insecurities, try to protect me from pain that they have experienced as a result of their failed attempts at following their dreams. I wish when I was a child that I was taught to value that pain, revel in the grind, welcome question, and allow a forum for conflict, as these are what lead to growth.

A wise poet once told me that a seed needs to be covered in dirt to create an environment in which it can grow. I took that to mean that when we try out our innovative business ideas and receive some backlash, we must be doing something right. Success is not dictated by intelligence alone. Most times it is achieved by those that have the perseverance, grit, and passion to work through the pain until success is reached.

When beginning this journey of turning my story ( overcoming trauma and abuse) , creative talents ( poetry, acting, directing, writing, dancing, singing) and skills ( digital media, web design, theater tech, computer troubleshooting, photography, coding) into an educational and entertaining business that contributes to society through inspiring cross-cultural communication , I assumed that it was going to be hard but I did not imagine that at times, it would require that I drain my bank account, work multiple jobs, and even change how I approach my education. Thankfully I am not in major debt, and I have been able to maintain good credit. Still all of the success that I have achieved so far, has been a result of failure.

Failure to live up to the extremely high expectations of my parents, led me to research positive psychology for my own mental health. Due to a slight stuttering problem that I have had since a child, I have failed at being the best speaker, so I felt forced to express myself through writing and memorization, which led to developing talents as a published poet, and a professional spoken word artist. Failure to quickly adjust to another culture, led to my curiosity in sociology. Failure to achieve in a strict academic environment, led to a creation of alternative learning techniques. The most recent failure has been to find a job that values me, as much as I value it. So I have begun to create my own by creating a business that caters to the good in people.

It is through failure that I have found the motivation to succeed. It is by failure that I have been made to define me. We are our most valuable asset, and we must choose to believe that we will reach success, even when we are surrounded by failure.

Treasure the good times, and learn from the bad. Only fail in areas that are necessary. It's all a part of the process.

See you at the top!

- Katherine Kylila Bullard 
Founder of PoeticChange.org

http://dontgiveupworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/965656_474782922616669_1533829457_o.jpg