Fail Faster...But Don't Stop!

Failure is often seen as something to fear, but what if it’s the key to unlocking success? During episode #128 of The MindFit Method Podcast, Pierce Brantley shared a remarkable story that reframes the way we view failure. His journey to get his next book published by one of the big three publishers highlights the power of persistence and the importance of quantifying failure.

Pierce had a dream: to have his work published by one of the most prestigious publishing houses in the world. Instead of blindly sending out his manuscript and hoping for the best, he decided to take a calculated approach. He researched how many times the average author is rejected before finally landing a deal with a top-tier publisher. The magic number, he discovered, was 30. Rather than being discouraged, Pierce felt energized. He realized that if success came after 30 rejections, every rejection he received wasn’t a setback but a step closer to his goal.

Armed with this knowledge, Pierce began submitting his work, knowing full well that rejection was part of the process. Each rejection became a badge of honor, a sign that he was progressing toward his dream. His mindset shifted from avoiding failure to embracing it. He didn’t just tolerate rejection; he celebrated it.

As it turns out, Pierce’s journey didn’t require 30 rejections. On his 27th submission, he received the call he had been waiting for: one of the big three publishers wanted his book. His story is a testament to the power of persistence and the transformative mindset of seeing failure as a necessary step to success.

So how can you apply this concept in your own life? Here are three takeaways from Pierce’s experience:

1. Quantify Your Failures: Research and understand the benchmarks in your field. Knowing the average number of attempts it takes to succeed can turn rejections into milestones, making the process feel more manageable and purposeful.

2. Redefine Failure: Shift your perspective. Each “failure” isn’t the end of the road; it’s a step closer to your goal. Celebrate your progress, even when it comes disguised as rejection.

3. Stay the Course: Persistence is the ultimate differentiator. The only true failure is stopping. By committing to your goal and pushing through obstacles, you’ll outlast those who give up too soon.

Pierce’s story reminds us that success isn’t about avoiding failure; it’s about embracing it. Each rejection you face is another step forward. The faster you fail, the faster you learn, adapt, and ultimately achieve your dreams. So, fail faster—but don’t stop.

I included the full episode with Pierce below, check it out!

-Mike