Intro
We’ve reached the final episode of our Seven of Seven blog series. We trust you have enjoyed the journey. If you missed the last episode, you can check it out here. Previously, we looked at seven everyday apps that can help you have a great day. For our final episode, we’ll focus on people, summarizing their stories from failure to success to inspire you.
In reality, failure is one of life’s greatest teachers. However, this applies only when we do not stop at the lesson. If you look at the world, history shows that many of the world’s most successful people did not turn out to be successful because everything worked out perfectly well. Rather, they made it because everything did not work out, but they kept persisting until they attained success. As we wrap up our first Seven of Seven series, here are seven powerful stories to remind you that where you are does not determine your future. You may have started out with lots of struggles and setbacks, but you can finish strong and great.
1. J.K. Rowling — From Rejection to Record-Breaking Success
Have you ever watched any of the Harry Potter movie series? Do you know that before Harry Potter, the author, Rowling, was broke, divorced, unemployed, and battling depression? Yes, as a matter of fact, twelve publishers initially rejected her manuscript. However, she was undeterred, and she kept believing in the story that no one else believed in yet. Today, she’s one of the most influential authors ever. This is proof that even the darkest seasons can produce the brightest magic.
2. Elon Musk — The Man Who Risked Everything (More Than Once)
Tesla and SpaceX are known by billions today, but just a few remember that Musk went broke in 2008. Yes, both of his companies were failing terribly, and he struggled financially, borrowing money for rent. Guess what? Instead of quitting, he doubled down. Now, he leads multiple global companies and has redefined entire industries. His resilience is legendary, and he is on his way to being the first trillionaire in the world. So, maybe you are deep in debt, and wondering if the future can be any better. Remember this story of Musk and be encouraged to take action to have a bright future.
3. Oprah Winfrey — From Pain to Power
Are you complaining of being raised in poverty and having traumatic childhood experiences? Well, that should not define you or where you are going. We find a similar story in the life of Oprah. She was born into poverty and survived traumatic childhood experiences. She faced setback after setback and was even fired from her first TV job. Yet she transformed her struggles into empathy, purpose, and one of the most iconic media empires ever built. Yes, she turned pain into a powerful platform, and you can do the same.
4. Steve Jobs — Fired From His Own Company, Then Returned to Save It
Here, we see an interesting twist in the life of Jobs. Imagine starting a company only to be fired from it after some years. Many would be angry and full of resentment, and even wished the company a terrible end. However, that was not Jobs. When he was fired, he went on to start another company, NeXT, and then Pixar. As fate would have it, years later, Apple acquired NeXT, and he returned to the company that once fired him. With his return, he led innovations that revolutionized modern technology. So, failure isn’t an end, but it can be a reset, as we see in the life of Jobs.
5. Vera Wang — A “Late Start” That Became a Global Fashion Legacy
Today, when we want that iconic wedding dress, we think of Vera Wang. However, do you know that she did not start out as a fashion designer? Yes, she only ventured into designing around 40 years of age. Prior to that, she had tried the advertising industry but was rejected for a major editor-in-chief role. Also, she initially wanted to be a professional skater but failed to make the Olympic skating team. Despite all these, she pressed on and is now famous for her bridal gowns. The fact that she is currently one of the most respected fashion designers in the world is a reminder that purpose does not have an expiry date.
6. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie — When Rejections Became a Global Voice
Staying true to your dreams and aspirations will really worth it as we see from the story of Chimamanda. Having faced multiple rejections early in her writing career, she remained committed to her passion, even when the conditions appeared unfavourable. Many publishers told her that her stories were “too different.” Well, that’s uniqueness, and we all don’t need to tread the same paths. Chimamanda stayed true to her voice, and as it turned out, the world caught up with her, seeing from her perspective. Today, her books are studied everywhere, her TED Talks are global favourites, and she remains a shining example of Nigerian excellence on the world stage.
7. Colonel Harland Sanders — Rejected Over 1,000 Times Before KFC
If you thought you were too old to start, you might want to think again. At age 65, with only a small savings, Colonel Sanders pitched his chicken recipe to food outlets. Guess what? He was turned down over a thousand times. The rejections did not deter him. The little savings did not constrain him, and he refused to allow his mind to tell him “You are too old for this.”He persisted, and today, that simple recipe has blossomed into Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC). It is currently one of the biggest food franchises in the world. Yet again, another story to remind you that it is never too late to start all over.
Final Thoughts: Failure Isn’t the Opposite of Success — It’s Part of the Journey
As you can see from our list of seven people today, those who change the world are not those who never fail. Rather, they are people who refused to stay a failure. In every setback is a seed for growth. Every closed door pushes you towards an even better door. Every “no” you get moves you closer to the right “yes” that will change your story. So, don’t give up and don’t quit on your goals.
As we come to the conclusion of our first Seven of Seven series, let these statements be in your mind. Your story is not over. Your mistakes are not final. Your breakthrough could be one step of courage away. Keep on keeping on, keep pushing for the world is waiting for your comeback story.
Thank you for following us through this amazing journey. We trust that it has been a journey of inspiration, information, and enlightenment. Until we come your way again for another exciting series, keep winning!
