Whether you have a tendency to give up before you start or just give up … don’t. Some of most successful people are the best inspiration when it comes to overcoming fear of failure and overcoming discouragement because of failure. Famous failures can give inspiration to both kids and adults. Don’t give up!
Images in famous failures collage:
Lucille Ball, The Beatles, Ulysses S. Grant,
Michael Jordan, Thomas Edison, Walt Disney,
Abraham Lincoln, Albert Einstein, Oprah Winfrey,
Steve Jobs, Eminem, Ted Geisel (Dr. Seuss)
Disclosure: This post contains some affiliate links (at no cost to you).
Inspiration from Michael Jordan
Even though this video is a commercial, the message is awesome.
“Michael Jordan ‘Failure’ Nike Commercial”
Inspiration from Other “Famous Failures” Videos
Need some inspiration? You’ll find lots of it in these famous failures videos!
“Famous Failures”Videos
Growth Mindset Resources
You’ll find lots of inspiring- and character-building songs in my free growth mindset songs for kids post.
Mistakes That Worked: 40 Familiar Inventions & How They Came to Be has lots of growth mindset inspiration for kids ages 8-12.
Big Life Journal site has lots and lots of amazing growth mindset resources for a variety of ages.
- The Famous Failures Kit is a PDF with:
- 10 worksheets with stories of famous people who experienced failure/struggle
- A reflection page for each story
- A list of successful people for further learning
- A companion template worksheet which can be used by the child to capture the learnings from the previous list
You’ll find lots of inspiring quotes and word-art freebies in my best growth mindset quotes for kids and adults.
Growth Mindset Products for Kids and Adults
What helps you overcome fear of failure? What helps you to not give up?
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sheila says
I don’t give up very easily at all. It helps me to understand that tomorrow is another day. It is what it is and thoughts and circumstances may change along with time.
Deb says
Thanks, Sheila! That’s a great way to look at things! I also like to think that everything happens for a reason and ultimately whatever happened will be for the best. 🙂
sheila says
love the video on famous failures! I’m going to link you up on my zen blog
Deb says
I really love that video, too! Thanks so much for linking to me! Have a great weekend! 🙂
Laura Hutchison says
LOVE the Gretzky quote! I’m visiting you from the Mom Loop Friday Follow and, as a previous figure skater, finding your blog fun & interesting! Ahh, the memories!
Deb says
Thanks so much, Laura! That’s one of my favorite quotes. It’s great to meet you … how fun that you were a figure skater! I’m off to visit your blog now! 🙂
Grady Pruitt says
Failure seems to be a common theme among the successful. Fail your way to success! Be like Thomas Edison, and say “I didn’t fail, I just found one more way it doesn’t work.”
Thanks for sharing! Loved both of the videos.
Deb says
Thanks for your kind comment, Grady! And thanks for sharing that awesome quote from Thomas Edison! 🙂
Kirsty says
Great post. I love that you’ve stated giving up because of fear not just the fear of failure.
Deb says
Thanks, Kirsty! It’s too bad there are so many excuses that make it easy to give up. I love having the examples of so many “famous failures” that make it easier to keep on keeping on.
Lauren says
Encouragement from my husband, family, friends, church, God’s word – falling on my face before his throne is what keeps me from throwing in the towel!
Deb says
Thanks for your comment, Lauren! I feel the same way! 🙂
Jamie ( says
Loved that last video. Thanks for sharing!!
Deb says
Thanks,Jamie! Isn’t that great?! I can’t see it enough times! 🙂
Pamela says
There’s a chorus we used to sing…Don’t give up on the brink of a miracle. Don’t give up, God is still on the throne.” My daughter sang it, “Don’t give up, God is still on the phone.” Giving up colors your life in drab colors.
Deb says
Thanks, Pamela! I love that … and your daughter’s version is awesome and so true! 🙂