There is always another chance. This thing that we call “failure” is not the falling down, but the staying down. – Mary Pickford (Watson, 1988, p.156)
As human beings we are going to make mistakes, we are going to fall down. It is one hundred percent inevitably going to happen. Leaders are also human beings, so it goes without saying that leaders are also going to fail and make mistakes. It is simply only a matter of time. It’s what we choose to do once we fall down, that can define a true leader.
The importance of what we as leaders choose to do after we fall down is reiterated by Glen Llopis in his Forbes article “4 Reasons Great Leaders Admit Their Mistakes” (July 23, 2015), “As any great leader will tell you, they have made many mistakes along the way. They will admit that it was the collective insight from bad decisions that taught them invaluable lessons – and how to see opportunities in everything and anticipate the unexpected more quickly. Successful leaders are transparent enough with themselves and others to admit their wrong doings so that those around them can also benefit from their learnings. They call this wisdom and many leaders lack it – because they are too proud to recognize mistakes as valuable learning moments for themselves and others.”
Mary Pickford was a true leader in that she was able to recognize her mistakes as valuable learning moments for herself and others. Her story and words of encouragement touched me on many levels. She was a woman who on the surface appeared like she had it all going on (a woman of great beauty, talent and dazzling success). Unbeknownst to many though, she had faced unhappiness and disillusionment, heartache and disappointments, yet… “she had come through every experience serene and composed, radiantly sure of herself and the road ahead” (Watson, 1988, p. 157).
Image: Pintrest
Mary’s lesson touched me so much that I shared it with my 17 year old son tonight who is going through a hard time. I wasn’t sure if he would be receptive to it at first but he slowly and silently read the paragraph I showed him. My eyes filled with tears watching him quietly absorb the words, nodding as understanding dawned over him. Mary’s words are so powerful and encouraging for those who have made mistakes or lost their way. “Today is a new day… if you have made mistakes, there is always another chance for you… and supposing you have tried and failed again and again, you may have a fresh start any moment you choose” (Watson, 1988, p. 158).
I thought of my daughter whose applications for acceptance into a nursing program were just rejected for another year in a row. I thought of my students who are struggling with drug addictions and mental health issues. I thought of my many mistakes both as a mom and as a teacher and was comforted by Mary’s words, “You are never beaten unless you give up” (Watson, 1988, p. 158).
I will try and emulate Mary Pickford by sharing my stories with my students and my children as both a human being and a leader. I will admit my mistakes so that others can benefit from my learnings.
Thanks to Mary Pickford, I have found a new quote to share with my students. I am going to cut it out in large letters and put it on my classroom wall. Her message is one that bears repeating and needs to be shared.
“Today is a new day. You will get out of it just what you put into it… If you have made mistakes, even serious mistakes, there is always another chance for you. And supposing you have tried and failed again and again, you may have a fresh start any moment you choose, for this thing that we call “failure” is not the falling down, but the staying down.” ~ Mary Pickford
Eichler Watson, L.E. (1988). Light from Many Lamps, (1st Fireside Edition). New York, NY: Simon & Schuster, Inc.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/glennllopis/2015/07/23/4-reasons-great-leaders-admit-their-mistakes/#46fc410f4628
Thank you for not only the inspiring words, but the encouragement. We aren’t alive if we haven’t failed at something. Thanks for the heartfelt invitation to get back up. You show your leadership by being vulnerable and also sharing the lessons you are learning to your fellow students in this program, your children and students you teach. I will follow your example and put the Mary Pickford quote on my social media.
You never cease to inspire me by your work. I’m honestly excited to read everything you post. Reading this article I nodded many times as well and I was getting flashbacks of all the times I thought I had made an irreversible mistake. Indeed, its never the end unless one gives up, there is always another day to come with another set of 24 hours packed with new opportunities, we just need to trust God and the process. It is so heartwarming to know that your son was so receptive to the story as well. Thank you so much for sharing everything, it was very insightful.
Thank you so much for your kind words Sehaj, they made my day! I loved Mary Pickford’s story and the hope that it provides for all of us. It was just the encouragement I needed to read/hear. You’re so right in that we need to trust God and His plan for us.