This week’s new Philosopher’s Note is on Failing Forward by John Maxwell.

Here’s the intro quote to the Note:

“What makes the difference? Why do some people achieve so much? Is it…

Family background? Having a good family growing up is something to be grateful for, but it’s not a reliable indicator of achievement. High percentages of successful people come from broken homes.

Wealth? No, some of the greatest achievers come from households of average to below-average means. Wealth is no indicator of high achievement, and poverty is no guarantee of low achievement.

Opportunity? You know, opportunity is a peculiar thing. Two people with similar gifts, talents, and resources can look at a situation, and one person will see tremendous opportunity while the other sees nothing. Opportunity is in the eye of the beholder.

High morals? I wish that were the key, but it’s not. I’ve known people with high integrity who have achieved little. And I’ve known scoundrels who are high producers. Haven’t you?

The absence of hardship? For every achiever who has avoided tragedy, there’s a Helen Keller who overcame extreme disabilities or a Viktor Frankl who survived absolute horrors. So that’s not it either.

No, none of these things are the key. When it comes right down to it, I know of only one factor that separates those who consistently shine from those who don’t: The difference between average people and achieving people is their perception and response to failure. Nothing else has the same kind of impact on people’s ability to achieve and to accomplish whatever their minds and hearts desire.”

— John Maxwell from Failing Forward