At TEDxUW 2011, economics professor Larry Smith gave a memorable talk titled, “Why you will fail to have a great career.” 
Larry Smith: Why you will fail to have a great careerThe hilarious talk takes aim at people and the incredible excuses they dream up for not pursuing their passions, from “It’s too hard” to “But I value human relationships more than my work.” His talk was a call for people to get out of their own way and at least try.
At this year’s event, entrepreneur Michael Litt gave his reaction to Smith’s talk, titled, “Why you have to fail to have a great career.” His idea: that failure provides the ultimate experience needed for success — learning to get up and dust yourself off after a fall. Watch above to hear Litt’s candid telling of a time he failed professionally, big time. Since being posting on December 23, this talk has been watched more than 41,000 times — and with good reason.
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commented on Jan 25 2013
Reblogged this on daftap33blog.
commented on Jan 25 2013
This really speaks to me. I think the ability to see failure (because failure is inevitable) as a learning opportunity is incredibly valuable. Thanks for this.
commented on Jan 24 2013
Reblogged this on Teacher View Today and commented:
Another great talk from TED!
commented on Jan 23 2013
I’ve always had an excuse, right now it’s, “My kids are too small and this project will keep me away from them!”
I’m trying to get out there and be all that I can be, just for me!
Ben Jacobs commented on Jan 23 2013
“All of old. Nothing else ever. Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. FAIL BETTER.” Worstward Ho
commented on Jan 23 2013
Reblogged this on Gossip Gadgets Fashion and commented:
This isn’t about gossip, gadgets or fashion. It is about getting the most out of what you want in this life. We have an unknown amount of years to be able to have fun and make the most of our lives. I found it motivating and I hope you do too.
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Kate Torgovnick commented on Jan 23 2013
I think this talk speaks to me because, while I’ve had many successes in my career, I’ve also had some spectacular failures. And those were indeed learning experiences. I remember getting laid off from my first magazine job—yes, there were budget cuts, but I was one of the few sent to pack up my desk. I learned from that you can do good work, but that you have to always have an attitude that matches it. I think I was a little unyielding in that job—when something changed, I’d complain and be annoyed. People want to work with people who can roll with the punches. Knowing that has made me a much better employee and coworker.
Who else has a career failure they learned from that they’d like to share?
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Ashley Clarke-Walkin commented on Jan 23 2013
A great point has been made, do not be afraid to fail. Lets say that fuel did freeze in a car one day, then it still would have been failure just another step down the line. Do what you want, put in the effort you need to and if you fail, move onto the next. Failure is a disappointment but its not permanent.
commented on Jan 23 2013
Reblogged this on RAMY and commented:
“It’s too hard” is never an excuse!
Simon Roy commented on Jan 23 2013
Pretty true from my experience – it’s the people who overcome fear of failure and judgement who get ahead, in whatever way. My fear is that one of the silly girls at Uni, who sit at the front of lectures and copy down every word, just to regurgitate it at a later point in the manner that examiner wants, will get ahead of me:) (no pun intended)
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