Failure Is Relative & Success Is Not Uniform

First, I have to say hats off to Mark Manson. His book The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*** is a phenomenal read for those interested, I find his word choice refreshingly candor and the topics are relatable and digestible. In The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F***, Manson juxtaposes the aftermath of two members’ mindsets after their stint in the music industry. While the music landscape has changed since these two bands burst onto the scene, their footprint on fame and legacy is…. large. The two bands we’ll be touching on today are The Beatles and Metallica (I went with bold there because it seemed a bit heavier and more heavy-metal themed). Metallica is one of the most popular heavy-metal bands of all time. With all time favorites like: Master of Puppets, Nothing Else Matters, and of course Enter Sandman (shoutout Va Tech) just to name a few. While my main discography involves country and rap (ASAP Rocky I need you to drop an album soon my man), I do thoroughly enjoy both of these artists’ albums and releases. Shifting to the makeup of the band, at a point, Dave Mustaine, was the lead guitarist for Metallica. In 1986, Dave was fired for a multitude of reasons which we won’t get into, but nonetheless he was let go.

Now before I get into the aftermath of that moment, let me zoom out. We’ve all been here so I don’t want you to be quick to judge or quick to assume, we’ve all fallen short. I’m sure everyone reading has failed an exam, a relationship didn’t work out, a venture ruined, and you’re left saying “I’ll show these people,” and it lights a fire underneath you for the next weeks, months, etc.

In Dave’s case it’s a little different, and I respect the ambition/drive he has, but after he was let go from Metallica he embarked on a lifelong journey to be better than Metallica and “prove them wrong,” joining Megadeath (say this in the Halo announcer voice, trust me) and experiencing great success along the way. Now unless you’re really dialed into music or you love heavy metal you’re probably unaware of who Megadeath is, which speaks to the conclusion that Mustaine did not fulfill his goal of becoming “more successful than Metallica.” Going on world tour, going platinum, and being a pretty famous guitarist sounds successful to me, but in terms of his metric: Beating Metallica, he was a failure, which haunted him for years creating a negative feedback loop, with his mental state caving in on itself.

On the other hand Pete Best, a drummer, was fired from The Beatles. After spending a couple years imagining what if and seeing their success up close, Pete spiraled into depression. But Pete later realized, focusing on the what if is not the reality of his life. He shifted his focus into being grateful for his life and his talents, leading him to meeting his wife and growing a family. In years after the split, Pete even stated he was super grateful for the lesson and the event, because the path he’s on is what he’s always wanted.

Both musicians suffered a setback, but these things are inevitable. When I was younger I used to lash out at my brother. He would pick on me, tease me, beat me in any game by any means necessary even if it meant cheating and that would cause me to lash out. My parents always arriving what seemed to be when I let my emotions boil over, said, “it’s not about what happens, it’s about how you react to it.” I swear this phrase is branded into my brain, it was said so many times. But the lesson stays true here, while both musicians were dealt an unfortunate hand, at one point or another you must shift your mindset. Be grateful for the things around you, your supportive friends, your loving family, God, your faith, anything.

After shifting your mindset to one of gratitude comes the realization that success is in the act, it’s in the effort. You define your metrics for success. However you are also you’re harshest critic. While success may look like: building a following of 1M people, building a real estate empire, launching a company, scoring a 170 on the LSAT, becoming a +2 handicap golfer, etc. These are all attainable things (maybe not the handicap for myself but you get the gist) however it’s not a clear climb from point A to point B. It’s actually Point A to Point Z, with a massive cavern in between B and N then a climb between Q and V, there’s variation to it and it’s different for everyone. Success doesn’t resemble a gondola (going up from the base in a pretty straightforward manner), it resembles the stock market (peaks, crashes, uncertainty at times but the goal is clear).

Success comes from the effort. Now, let me be clear, I’m not clamoring for participation awards here, but with commitment and discipline in your endeavors success will follow. Just be sure to not lose yourself or lose sight of what’s important along the way, instead let it fuel your journey.

Also don’t become so enveloped in succeeding that it is your life mission and nothing comes in between it, if that’s the case you’ve missed the point entirely. The beauty of life is not Point Z, it’s the story leading up to that point and the story beyond. Some say the allure is the destination, others the journey, and others the company. Choose what you value and go from there.

Quotes/Wisdom:

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.” — Winston Churchill

Luke 12:48: “From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded.”

Now I want to address why I took a step back. I know my loyal subscribers probably had no idea lol but maybe one or two people out there were wondering so I feel like I’d address it. As much as these are posts to express my thoughts and impart any wisdom I have, these are also for me to look back on myself and reflect on. Now I didn’t think I was making the world’s #1 newsletter with this, not at all, but I was wondering why do I make these weekly newsletters when no one really listens or reads any way? I’m not succeeding. But as I just stated, it’s not always about success, it’s about doing what you enjoy. And for me, I enjoy writing. It’s fun to build something, grow an audience, and say whatever the heck I want. I was confused why I was burning through good topics when only 20 or so people read it but who cares, if I find it fun that’s all that matters. So I’ll get back to releasing these on a more clear schedule.

Side note: Been reading a lot recently, so if anyone has any books or things I should listen to feel free to shoot me a text. Feel like everyone on this newsletter knows me personally lol. Additionally next week I’ll be shifting to Substack! I will keep you all posted and the transition should be simple.

Moving forward: These will be posted on a 2x a month basis as I feel that’s a little more sustainable at the moment but I may spontaneously publish a couple as well.

Longer article today, but I hope everyone is having a blessed week!

Cheers, til next time.

Why I took a step back

What it will look like moving forward