Just in case you didn’t know, successful people have just as many failures (in fact probably more) than the average person.
Of course they also get things wrong, mess up and do things they wish they hadn’t done.
But when things go wrong they tend to handle the situations differently.
Lifehack shares 10 things successful people do wrong when things go pear shaped:
1. They know how to adjust their goals
Successful people are not going to give up that easily.
They are adaptable, resilient, and determined to go on.
That means having a plan B ready.
2. They are realistic optimists
They know that optimism is what counts and their glass is always half full.
Research suggests that the realistic optimist is more likely to be successful
In addition, they are grateful for what they have achieved and will concentrate on their successes.
3. They learn from their failure
“When you lose, don’t lose the lesson.” – Dalai Lama
If successful people fail, it means that they were prepared to:
- move out of the safe comfort zone
- take calculated risks
- experience the joy of growing and fulfillment
When and if they fail, they are able to sit down and assess calmly what went wrong.
There is a lesson from every failure and they know how/where to find it, accept it, and above all apply it to future projects.
“Success is moving from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.” – Winston Churchill.
It is interesting to note that Churchill was defeated in many elections until he finally became Prime Minister at the age of 62!
4. They know that failure is a prelude to success
Michael Jordan kept at it and made sure that he perfected his technique. he said:
“I have missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I have lost almost 300 games. On 26 occasions I have been entrusted to take the game winning shot, and I missed.
I have failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”
You can do the same by assessing your skills set and see how they can be improved.
Or maybe you need to spend more time on networking and building relationships.
5. They ask for advice
Many entrepreneurs were able to crawl out from the ruins of failure and start again.
But some were wise enough to seek advice from friends or mentors.
Obviously these have to be the kind of people you would trust your life with.
They are also upbeat, confident, and can boost your morale.
Those who make it to the top also know how to get help from their networks and connections, when they want to start over after failure or setbacks.
6. They are persistent and courageous
Thomas Edison failed over 6,000 times when inventing the light bulb.
The courage to go on is essential.
All successful businessmen, inventors and politicians have one thing in common.
They never quit.
7. They know that nothing is wasted
When asked about success and failure, Robert Kiyosaki, author of ‘Rich Dad, Poor Dad’ said that successful people are always pushing their boundaries.
They are the ones who know how to invest in what remains after failure, so that they are always growing.
8. They know when to slow down and take a break
Very often, entrepreneurs are slow to admit their failure and make things worse by trying to back pedal and recoup losses.
The secret is to know when to let go if you have failed, sit back, slow down, and regroup.
9. They never blame others
When successful people fail, they know where to lay to blame – on themselves.
10. They never wait for the right moment
“Carpe diem (seize the moment).” – Horace
The great successes of our time in inventions, research and in finance were all achieved because the entrepreneurs never thought for one moment that the ‘time was not right’.
They went ahead and did it.

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'When Things Go Wrong Here’s 10 Things Successful People Do Differently' have 3 comments
February 26, 2015 Lawrence
Thanks Michael. Once I offload one of my properties in Ipswich, I should be in a position to purchase the right type of property with Shannon’s help to get back on track. This property has not grown in value in 5 years and keeps costing me money with repairs. I am going to make a loss in the current market but I will have to wear that. Lawrence
February 25, 2015 Lawrence
Great article Michael. I am currently in the position of failing in regards to my property investing journey. My first reaction was disappointment in myself and I have felt like I have wasted the last 5 years from my first investment property purchase. Having read your Rules of Property book I now understand where it all went wrong. I have also since been in contact with Shannon to start the road to recovery. I have learn’t a lot over the last 5 years and won’t quit until I get it right. I guess I will make all the mistakes so my children can benefit from my failures. Kind Regards Lawrence
February 25, 2015 Michael Yardney
Lawrence
We’ve all made mistakes – I know I’ve made some big ones – but that doesn’t equate to failure. If you’ve red my book you know that the majority of invetsors get it wrong at first.
At least you’re on the right track now