Success Advice
Hire Slow, Fail Fast, and Learn Faster

“It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all, in which case you have failed by default.” These words were once spoken by J. K. Rowling, famous British writer, and I believe they should be applied to a person’s success.
Failure is the best teacher. But we don’t often talk about the ‘F’ word in business because it’s often seen as a weakness, rather than a critical learning opportunity. Where this misconception came from, I have no idea. Some of your favorite musicians were rejected from major record labels before getting their big break. Many of Hollywood’s biggest movie stars tanked countless auditions before finally getting a single phone call back. Even Jeff Bezos wrote in a letter to his shareholders that, “If the size of your failures isn’t growing, you’re not going to be inventing at a size that can actually move the needle.”
Those who have made it to the big leagues all have stories — often multiple — to tell of failure, and they credit that to their success. So why don’t we talk about this more? Today’s business leaders must understand that in order to build a legacy, they can’t be afraid to roll with the punches.
The business world is unpredictable by nature. You can spend years nurturing an idea only to have a half-cocked plan turn out to be a million-dollar deal. The path to success isn’t for the easily deterred. It’s packed with rejection and criticism, both constructive and devastatingly harsh. Leaders must be comfortable taking the risks that will keep them at the forefront of their industries. They must be wise about who they allow on their teams, while embracing their own failures as a strategy for growth. In other words, they must hire slow, fail fast, and learn faster.
“Failure should be our teacher, not our undertaker. Failure is delay, not defeat. It is a temporary detour, not a dead end. Failure is something we can avoid only by saying nothing, doing nothing, and being nothing.” – Denis Waitley
Pause before you hire
Whether someone chooses to move on from your company or a new role is identified within your organization, it’s tempting to want to move quickly to fill the void. Instead of haphazardly posting online, exploiting your contact list, and frantically interviewing in hopes of finding a new hire that day, take a step back to regroup.
Hiring from a desperate place is a surefire way to get the wrong people on board, which could slow down production, devastate your company culture, and even damage your reputation in the industry. This slow-and-steady approach is not only the best way forward, it will put you in front of the best candidate for the job.
Leaders that are trying to survive while short-handed can be completely oblivious to the reliable employees and other options that lie at their fingertips. Take stock of who you already have on the job. Are they carrying their weight? Are they making the most out of the time and resources that have been afforded to them? Have they stepped up as a leader and are ready to take on additional responsibilities? Taking care of the workers that you have already appointed may help you arrive at the solution that you have been looking for instead of putting you in a predicament to lose your investment on a bad hire.
However, if your tasks truly outweigh your manpower, getting more hands on deck will be the answer to your troubles. But you need to make sure you’ve nailed down a steadfast hiring process first. Think in terms of quality, and have a firm set of attributes in mind that will rule out those who aren’t qualified for the job, even if their resumes are impressive at first glance. This could take several interviews with various candidates, but it’s a small price to pay to level up your business with devoted workers who are capable of handling the challenges ahead.
Fail forward and do so often
In an effort to avoid mistakes, a lot of leaders allow fear to paralyze them to a point where they’re unable to convince themselves to take any action at all. This delusional stance leads to a failure by omission, which only ends in even greater fear and stagnancy. So, while it is expertly advised to make slow hires, the truth isn’t the same for taking the necessary risks to further a company’s success. In these cases, you will want to fail fast, but do so in a way that minimizes your losses and puts you further ahead than you were before.
This concept of failing fast may be hard for a lot of leaders to comprehend. It’s hard enough for people to admit to their failures, let alone welcoming those failures so that they can continue forging ahead. Failing fast in a forward motion does not mean jumping into poorly-thought-out situations or betting it all without the possibility of a return that is worthwhile. It is, however, about taking risks, executing ideas, and figuring out what went wrong so that you are able to jump back into the game as soon as possible.
Learn from your failures
Failures are never fun in the moment, but they’re an inevitable part of business. Think of them as your best source of feedback. Mistakes shine a spotlight on any weaknesses and vulnerabilities that exist within your organization, and even within yourself. Let them inform your flaws so that you can strengthen your foundation as you continue to push ahead. When you gain something from failure, it isn’t a defeat at all.
The next time you face rejection, take a step back, ask plenty of questions, and apply those answers to create an opportunity to make an even greater impact thereafter. Some of your most significant successes will come as a result of the tough lessons learned from your misfortunes, making failure worth the bet each and every time.
To be truly exceptional in such competitive and volatile industries, you must be willing to try your hand time and time again. Last week’s ‘nos’ won’t doom you to failure, and a recent ‘yes’ may soon lose its relevance if you neglect to show up again. True triumph lies in your ability to endure failures like a champ, make fast recoveries, and be on your way to conquering your next mission.
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Personal Development
These 11 Habits Will Make You More Productive, Successful, and Confident
Boost your focus, confidence, and results with 11 powerful habits successful people use every day.

Successful people love to help beginners. They have an incredible work ethic and rarely complain. As a result, others naturally look up to them and want to follow in their footsteps.
But here’s the truth: there’s no success without sacrifice. You’ll need to give up comfort, excuses, and sometimes even social approval to accomplish your goals.
Value comes from solving problems, and these 11 powerful tips will help you become more productive, successful, and confident, starting today.
1. Take Short Breaks After Finishing a Task
Psychology shows it’s important to reward positive behaviour.
After completing a big task or finishing a book, take five minutes to walk, stretch, or simply breathe. This quick reset helps your brain recharge and strengthens focus.
Many great writers swear by morning walks, solitude, and reflection can unlock creativity.
But if you refuse to take breaks, don’t be surprised when burnout hits. Your brain needs recovery time just as much as your body does.
2. Schedule Your Most Important Tasks First
Multitasking kills productivity. If you want to get more done, try time blocking, a method where you dedicate set periods for specific tasks.
Productivity expert Caitlin Hughes explains, “Time blocking involves scheduling blocks of time for your tasks throughout the day.”
For example, if you’re a writer:
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Research your topic at night.
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Write your first draft in the morning (don’t worry if it’s rough).
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Edit in the afternoon, great writing comes from rewriting.
You can’t buy more time. Use it intentionally and without regret.
3. Eliminate Distractions from Your Workspace
Focus is the foundation of success.
According to Inc. Magazine, it takes an average of 23 minutes to recover from a distraction. That’s nearly half an hour of lost productivity every time you check your phone.
Put your phone away. Close unnecessary tabs. And yes, limit your Netflix binges.
Meeting deadlines consistently is one of the fastest ways to stand out and earn respect.
4. Take Full Responsibility for Your Life
Entrepreneur Derek Sivers once said, “Everything is my fault.”
This mindset doesn’t mean self-blame; it means self-ownership. Stop pointing fingers, making excuses, or waiting for others to change.
If your habits (like smoking or drinking too much) hold you back, it’s time to make better choices. Your friends can’t live your dreams for you; only you can.
5. Invest an Hour a Day in Learning New Skills
Knowledge compounds over time.
Whether you read books, take online courses, or practise a craft, consistent learning gives you a competitive edge.
I used to struggle with academic writing, but I improved by studying the work of great authors and applying what I learned.
Your past doesn’t define you; your actions do. Every new skill adds another tool to your arsenal and makes you more unstoppable.
6. Develop a Growth Mindset
Psychologist Dr. Carol Dweck introduced the concept of fixed vs. growth mindset.
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A fixed mindset believes success is based on natural talent.
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A growth mindset believes success comes from effort and learning.
Choose the growth mindset. Embrace challenges. See failures as feedback. In today’s fast-moving digital world, adaptability is your biggest advantage.
7. Learn Marketing to Reach People Who Need You
I once believed marketing was manipulative, until I realised it’s about helping people solve problems.
If your work provides genuine value, marketing is how you let others know it exists. Even Apple spends billions on it.
Don’t be ashamed to promote your skills or business. Without visibility, your ideas will never reach the people who need them most.
Creative professionals who understand marketing and sales have an unfair advantage.
8. Ask Your Mentor the Right Questions
Good mentors can fast-track your growth.
While mentorship often costs money, it’s one of the best investments you can make. Great mentors don’t care about titles; they care about your progress.
If you don’t have access to a mentor yet, books are your silent mentors. Read the best in your field, take notes, and apply what resonates.
9. Build Confidence Through Action, Not Affirmations
Author Ryan Holiday once said, “I don’t believe in myself. I have evidence.”
Confidence doesn’t come from shouting affirmations into the mirror; it comes from proof. Doing hard things, keeping promises to yourself, and following through.
When you consistently take action, your brain gathers evidence that you can handle whatever comes next. That’s real confidence, grounded, earned, and unshakable.
10. Focus on Your Strengths
Your strengths reveal where your greatest impact lies.
If people compliment you on something often, it’s a clue. Lean into it.
A former professor once told me I was creative, and that simple comment gave me the confidence to go all in. I studied creativity, applied it daily, and turned it into my career advantage.
Double down on your strengths. That’s how you build momentum and mastery.
11. Identify and Challenge Your Limiting Beliefs
Your beliefs shape your reality.
For years, I believed I couldn’t be a great writer because of my chronic tinnitus and astigmatism, sensory challenges that made concentration difficult. But over time, I realised those struggles made me more disciplined, observant, and empathetic.
Your limitations can become your greatest motivators if you let them.
Avoid shortcuts. Growth takes time, but it’s always worth it.
Final Thoughts
Becoming productive, successful, and confident isn’t about working harder than everyone else. It’s about working smarter, consistently, and intentionally.
You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight. Start small: take a break after your next task, schedule your priorities, or spend one hour learning something new.
Every habit you change compounds into long-term success. Remember, true change comes from practising new behaviours.
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