"Develop success from failures. Discouragement and failure are two of the surest stepping stones to success." - Dale Carnegie



If you were to base your future on a moment of frustration you would likely pull the shutters tight, grab a cup of coffee and swear off any future attempt at entrepreneurialism. However, emotion cannot be relied on to be the reliable indicator of success, failure or even future striving.

"The most essential factor is persistence - the determination never to allow your energy or enthusiasm to be dampened by the discouragement that must inevitably come." - James Whitcomb Riley

One of the harsh realities of business is that there will be moments when it seems nothing is going right and you will lament the decision to move forward in the business endeavor you find yourself in. The good news is these moments will pass.

"Good work habits help develop an internal toughness and a self-confident attitude that will sustain you through every adversity and temporary discouragement." - Paul J. Fleyer

If you have set your goals, are moving forward and have high accountability standards you will likely find the internal drive to continue to plod forward - in spite of difficult circumstances. In the relentless pursuit of your goal you will likely find discouragement has been left behind.

"Every great work, every great accomplishment, has been brought into manifestation through holding to the vision, and often just before the big achievement comes apparent failure and discouragement" - Florence Scovel Shinn

Who knows what might have happened if business owners had a universal no-quit attitude. The truth is there may be a time to close shop and call it a day, but don't go "gentle into that good night." As Florence Scovel Shinn stated eloquently, failure and discouragement often hold the prelude to achievement and accomplishment.

The result of personal attitude and a willingness to 'tough it out' is often astounding. The individual that has gone through the difficulty often has a more clearly defined focus and is less inclined to complain about smaller difficulties that once were a tremendous annoyance.

"When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on." - Thomas Jefferson