Failing Forward: Turning Mistakes into Stepping Stones for Success

by John C. Maxwell

My friend Dwight Bain E-mailed me something called “The City of Regret” that tells the whole story: I had not really planned to take a trip this year, yet I found myself packing anyway. And off I went, dreading it. I was on another guilt trip. I booked my reservation on Wish I Had airlines. I didn’t check my bags—everyone carries their baggage on this airline—and had to drag it for what seemed like miles in the Regret City airport. And I could see that people from all over the world were there with me, limping along under the weight of bags they had packed themselves. I caught a cab to Last Resort Hotel, the driver taking the whole trip backward, looking over his shoulder. And there I found the ballroom where my event would be held: the Annual Pity Party. As I checked in, I saw that all my old colleagues were on the guest list: The Done family—Woulda, Coulda, and Shoulda Both of the Opportunities—Missed and Lost All the Yesterdays—there were too many to count, but all would have sad stories to share Shattered Dreams and Broken Promises would be there, too, along with their friends Don’t Blame Me and Couldn’t Help It. And of course, hours and hours of entertainment would be provided by that renowned storyteller It’s Their Fault.