By Dan Miller

What we could see as punishment may actually be a necessary step toward success.

Within a few seconds after birth, a baby giraffe struggles to its feet. Shortly afterward, however, the mother will knock it over from that first wobbly stance. This process is repeated each time the baby struggles to its feet until the young giraffe has the strength to stand in a firm and unwavering position.

What seems like an unkind and cruel act is in fact of vital importance to the survival of the young animal. It is, in fact, an act of love by the mother for her child.

For the baby giraffe, the world is a dangerous place and it must quickly learn how to respond to unexpected challenges and get back up on its feet.

Now I don’t imagine that the baby giraffe welcomes being knocked around or particularly thanks Mom for the experience. I doubt that the little guy understands that there is an important lesson being learned.

Is there perhaps a life principle here that we try to avoid as well? 

What does “failure” teach us?  Should we avoid it at all costs?  Does failure chip away at our fragile egos and lessen our chances of ultimate success?  Is it Satan who causes our failures and God who wants us to always win?

Research shows us that entrepreneurs fail an average of 3.8 times before they finally make it in a business venture.  They recognize that three steps forward and two steps backward still have a net result of one step of progress. 

If you can decide to see your own “failures” as a necessary part of your progress, you will separate yourself from the average person and put yourself into the category of potential high achiever.

“Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” – Thomas Edison

Most people try to avoid failure like a bad disease.  They cringe at the prospect and may stay in a safe but unchallenging position, an unfulfilling job, a familiar but boring career, at the bottom of the hill as others master the peak. 

“Failure is the opportunity to begin again more intelligently.”  Henry Ford

Embrace failure as a legitimate step in the right direction.  See it as a stepping stone toward the success you want. 

From the Bible: “If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.”  Proverbs 24:10 (KJV)

Describe a time when you felt you were being “knocked down” only to realize later that the experience saved you or made you wiser.

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Dan Miller, who died in January 2024, was the President and self-dubbed “Creative Thinker” of 48 Days LLC, which specializes in creative thinking for increased personal and business success. He believed that meaningful work blends our natural skills and abilities, our unique personality traits and our dreams and passions. Dan was active in helping individuals redirect careers, evaluate new income sources, and achieve balanced living. He believed that a clear sense of direction can help us become all that God designed us to be. Dan is the author of the widely acclaimed 48 Days To The Work You Love and No More Mondays. He wrote regularly for many popular magazines and web portals, including CBN.com, Crosswalk.com, In Touch, AARP and Success magazines and the Zig Ziglar newsletter. He had been a guest on CBS’ ‘The Early Show,’ MSNBC’s ‘Hardball with Chris Mathews,’ 700 Club’s Living the Life and Fox Business News with Dave Ramsey Show…to hit some highlights. 

Used by Permission: 48days.com