A Dorothea Brande quote
Reading time: Around two and a half minutes
What does this quote mean?
“Act as if it were impossible to fail.” At first glance, this quote appears straightforward, urging us to tackle challenges head-on. Yet, its implications run deep. It’s about adopting an unyielding mindset, one that doesn’t merely accept success as a possibility, but as the only outcome.
Dorothea Brande’s words are more than a motivational catchphrase. They’re a directive: to build self-belief so strong that doubts and fears can find no place to reside. When you internalize this attitude, you transform challenges into mere steps towards your goal. You start seeing obstacles not as blockades, but as opportunities to grow stronger and become better.
Consider the vast potential this mindset can unleash. When failure is not in the picture, what would you dare to do? Perhaps you’d take that risk with your startup idea, chase that dream job, or even commit to a personal goal that once seemed too ambitious. Brande’s message is to approach each of these with confidence that doesn’t entertain the possibility of failure.
The beauty of this philosophy is its transformative power. Once you act as if failure is off the table, your actions align with this conviction. You invest more effort, dedicate more time, and persist even when faced with challenges. It’s as if you’re putting on a pair of glasses that only allow you to see the path to success.
In essence, Brande is urging us to redefine our relationship with failure. Not by denying its existence, but by not allowing it to dictate our actions or outcomes. By adopting the mindset that it’s impossible to fail, we grant ourselves the freedom to chase our dreams with unparalleled vigor and determination. And often, that’s the very thing needed to achieve them.
How can I use this quote in my life?
Start each day with a powerful declaration: “failure is not in my vocabulary”. When you wake up, take a few deep breaths and reaffirm this belief to yourself. This isn’t just about boosting your morale; it’s about programming your mindset for the day ahead.
Challenges will come, but view them as stepping stones. Instead of shrinking back, step up and embrace them. Ask yourself: What can I learn here? How can this propel me forward? Every hurdle is an opportunity for growth. Harness that mindset.
Next, set audacious goals. Don’t just aim for what seems achievable; stretch beyond your comfort zone. Aim for that which feels slightly out of reach, then devise a plan to get there. Break it down: What steps can you take today, tomorrow, or this week?
Every decision you make should be a reflection of where you want to go. When faced with choices, ask: Does this align with my ambitions? Does this move me closer to my goals? If not, reconsider.
Lastly, build resilience. There’ll be times when things don’t go as planned. Don’t waver. Instead, reevaluate, adjust, and keep moving. Whenever doubt tries to seep in, remind yourself of your morning declaration and push on.
Incorporating this approach, you’ll not only elevate your own life but also inspire those watching your journey.
About the Author
Dorothea Brande was born on December 12, 1893, in Chicago, Illinois. She was a renowned writer and editor, known particularly for her works on creative processes and personal development. Among her most noted writings are “Becoming a Writer” and “Wake Up and Live”, the latter of which became a bestseller and solidified her reputation as a pivotal figure in the realm of self-help and personal growth literature.