Get Started
Home Authors Tags

"When you try to do something big it's hard to fail completely"

Tim Ferriss
Tim Ferriss Author
Translations
🇺🇸 English 🇨🇳 中文 🇪🇸 Español 🇪🇬 العربية 🇫🇷 Français 🇮🇷 فارسی 🇯🇵 日本語
Quote meaning
The core idea here is that when you aim for something grand, even if you don't fully succeed, you're likely to achieve something significant along the way. The bigger the ambition, the more room there is for partial successes that still count as wins.

This concept has roots in history and personal development. Think about the space race in the 1960s. When President John F. Kennedy declared that the United States would land a man on the moon, it was an enormous goal. Did everything go perfectly? Not at all. There were setbacks, technical failures, and even tragedies. But each step, each failure, brought valuable lessons. And in 1969, Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon. The goal was so big that complete failure was almost impossible because every attempt yielded progress.

Let's dive into a real-life example. Imagine a start-up company aiming to revolutionize renewable energy. They set out to create a device that can power an entire city using only solar energy. Ambitious, right? They might not hit that target immediately, but in the process, they develop more efficient solar panels, create jobs, and contribute to scientific knowledge. Maybe their final product powers smaller towns or individual buildings instead of entire cities. That’s still a massive win.

So, how do you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start by setting big goals. Don’t be afraid of aiming high—whether it's writing a novel, starting a business, or running a marathon. Break these big goals down into smaller, manageable tasks. Even if you don’t accomplish the ultimate goal, you’ll achieve significant milestones that bring you closer to your dream.

Here's a relatable story to illustrate this. Picture Sarah, a graphic designer working a 9-to-5 job. She dreams of starting her own design firm. It’s a huge leap, and she knows it. But she begins by taking on freelance projects in her spare time. She networks, builds a portfolio, and gains clients. After two years, she’s not running a massive firm yet, but she’s left her day job and is successfully freelancing full-time. Her big dream pushed her to achieve more than she would have by aiming lower.

In your own journey, think about what excites you. What’s that big dream that makes your heart race a little faster? Go for it. You don't have to have it all figured out right now. Take steps, learn from mistakes, and keep pushing forward. Remember, when you aim high, even your "failures" bring you closer to success. Don’t shrink your dreams because you’re afraid of failing. Instead, let those dreams be the fuel that drives you to achieve more than you ever thought possible.

So, next time you find yourself hesitating to take on a big challenge, remember: it's hard to fail completely when you're aiming for greatness. Every effort, every small success, contributes to a bigger picture. And who knows? You might just reach the stars.
Related tags
Ambition Challenges Courage Determination Failure Motivation Overcoming obstacles Perseverance Resilience Success
MORE QUOTES BY Tim Ferriss
FEATURED QUOTES
Surprise me with another quote
Instagram Icon Facebook Icon X Icon Threads Icon