Motivational Quote #9

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts."---Winston Churchill

I like to research the origin of the quotations I post here so that I can attempt to understand the meaning behind the author's words. This time, my research turned up something interesting. The above quote is attributed to Winston Churchill; however, The Churchill Centre states on their site that their research proves that Churchill never said this in his books, speeches, articles, or papers.

So, we are left to consider what the meaning of this quote from a potentially anonymous source might mean and how aspiring authors can apply it to themselves. Let's break it down.

"Success is not final" - When you achieve one of your goals do you just stop there? No, you keep going and begin working toward achieving your next goal. After your first published credit aren't you going to want to see more?

"failure is not fatal" - Failing is not the end of the world. It might seem so at the time, but if you look at failure as a learning experience, then you have the strength to brush yourself off and get back on that horse again.

"It is the courage to continue that counts." - Aha! This is really what the aspiring author needs to remember. Dig deep down inside yourself and work through the rejections (the failures) and bravely continue on. When that "Thanks, but no thanks" letter comes in, don't take it as a reflection on you as a person. Don't throw your computer out the window and swear you'll never write again.

Lick your wounds for all of five minutes, then continue on. You have the power to make your dreams come true. Use it!