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Chasing Failure

summary ofChasing FailureBook by Ryan Leak

14 min
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You’ll learn

  • How surprises can fuel growth
  • Why you should embrace failure
  • What creates lasting achievement
  • When you should shift your goals

first KEY POINT

If the road to your dream is accompanied by failure, it is leading to success

Each of us had a dream in childhood. We wanted to become doctors, astronauts, or Captain America. Everything changes as we grow up, and reality ruthlessly rushes into our dreams. Writer and motivational speaker Ryan Leak asks: ‘What would you do if you knew you would never fail?’Playing in the NBA has always been Ryan Leak's dream, and Kobe Bryant was his idol. Although Leak does not have all the physical characteristics of NBA basketball players, he still trained hard and believed in his dream. Life allowed him to communicate with his idol in person. Leak told Bryant about plans to do a documentary about the pursuit of failure and heard words of support. Then Ryan admitted that he would like to try his strength in the NBA, and to which Kobe Bryant replied: “Yes, man. Do it.” Bryant holds the record for the number of missed shots in NBA history but remained one of the best athletes in his field because his incredible victories overcame his mistakes. Every successful person becomes famous not despite but thanks to their misfires.People fail, but not everyone knows that a mistake is a valuable gift from fate to improve. Failure can lead you to choose a different path that is best for you in the long run.

If you didn't fail, you wouldn't ultimately succeed.

Leak's project was to explore the method of chasing failure by his own example. He wanted to fulfill an old dream and try to get into the NBA. The moment Leak promised his family, friends, and Kobe Bryant that he would try to apply, there was nowhere to hide. He sent out emails about his documentary project to different teams.Unexpectedly, Ryan received a response from the Phoenix Suns. The head of public relations invited him to train with their head coach Jeff Hornacek. Ryan Leak won his first victory in pursuit of failure. With each missed shot, the author received what he came for — failure. But his courage and willingness to lose had taken him further than the pursuit for success. He now works with NBA teams off the court to develop their leadership skills.Chasing Failure is not a book about trying to fail but about a willingness to face losses on the road to a dream. It's about learning from the pits and rocks in your path.

second KEY POINT

Your skills, opportunities, and goals define your life's work

We often hear that we shouldn't give up on our dreams, but sometimes it is difficult for us to admit that the goal we are moving towards is not worth fighting for. When we are not afraid of failure, we can better understand what we feel. Perhaps dozens of rejections on The Voice mean that your strength is not in singing, and real success awaits you in another area.But sometimes dreams should remain a hobby, not a lifelong pursuit. Leak tells a story about a girl who had been playing the piano since the age of three. She was sure that she would connect her life with music, but one day the girl saw a video of 12-year-old children easily playing songs that she had been learning for years. Then at the University of Denver, her interest in politics flared up. She is now known as Condoleezza Rice, the 66th US Secretary of State.Ryan Leak created the sweet spot matrix — the point where your passion, skills, opportunities, and goals are connected. Think of an activity that motivates you to get up in the morning and makes you lose track of time. If the work can be fun and pay your bills, develop it within the framework of that activity.Appreciate every opportunity that teaches and develops you. If your podcast has 10 people listening, keep moving, and there will soon be 10,000. More opportunities come to those who genuinely love what they do.

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first KEY POINT

Success, like failure, has a price

second KEY POINT

Forgive yourself and let your shame and fear of criticism go

third KEY POINT

Risk is inevitable if you want to change the world

fourth KEY POINT

Reach out to everyone brave enough to chase failure

fifth KEY POINT

Conclusion

About the author

Ryan Leak is an acclaimed motivational speaker and author recognized for his innovative take on failure. His talks and writings inspire a broad audience to turn setbacks into setups for remarkable achievements.

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Frequently asked questions

What is Chasing Failure: How Falling Short Sets You Up for Success about?

Chasing Failure: How Falling Short Sets You Up for Success is a motivational book by Dan W. Butcher that explores the concept that experiencing failures can lead to greater successes. Butcher emphasizes that setbacks are not endpoints but rather stepping stones toward personal and professional growth.

What are the key takeaways from Chasing Failure: How Falling Short Sets You Up for Success?

Key takeaways from Chasing Failure include the importance of resilience, learning from mistakes, and embracing vulnerability. Butcher asserts that by reframing failure as a valuable teacher, individuals can cultivate a mindset geared towards success.

Is Chasing Failure: How Falling Short Sets You Up for Success worth reading?

Yes, Chasing Failure is worth reading for anyone looking to transform their relationship with failure and enhance their resilience. With practical insights and relatable anecdotes, Butcher provides a compelling narrative that inspires readers to embrace challenges.

How many pages is Chasing Failure: How Falling Short Sets You Up for Success and when was it published?

Chasing Failure spans approximately 240 pages and was published on August 10, 2021. This length makes it an accessible read for anyone looking to delve into the lessons behind failure.

What concepts are explored in Chasing Failure: How Falling Short Sets You Up for Success?

Chasing Failure delves into concepts like the power of perseverance, the role of mindset in achieving success, and the benefits of learning from failures. Dan W. Butcher encourages readers to view setbacks as integral to their journey rather than obstacles.