Paul Castain's Blog

The Point Of Success . . .

Posted March 25, 2011

I was listening to the audio version of Seth Godin’s new book Poke The Box when he said something that really hit home for me.

He went off script and talked about the many business failures he’s had and even made a reference to having to eat Mac n Cheese because of money being tight.

He brought it all into perspective by saying something along the lines of (and pardon me for paraphrasing) “The point of success is not to succeed every time, but to get another chance to try”

This strikes a bit of an emotional chord for me because his Mac n Cheese was my pasta after loosing everything I had (self esteem included) back in 1995.

My goal was (and still is) to get another “At bat”.

So for those of you having a bad day, a sales slump or just doubting your ability to succeed . . . you don’t have to every time . . .

Just get another chance to succeed and when you do . . . make yourself wealthy beyond belief by acknowledging and respecting another chance to get it right . . .

Because eventually you will!

Paul Castain  works with organizations and individuals to achieve higher levels of performance. He is so good that he was granted permission to talk about himself in the 3rd person. For more information on how Paul can help you and your company click here dude.

45 thoughts on “The Point Of Success . . .”

  1. Paul, your willingness to be transparent and to share your own journey say volumes about your professionalism and character. Clearly, your lessons learned and insights were hard won and worth the struggle. I need to stay in the “fight”, and not just for my career. Thanks for sharing, I needed this word today.

  3. Paul~

    Now I KNOW you’re my brother from another mother! I just love how you consistently give me the message I need to hear at just the right time! ThankYou!

    ~Keri

  4. Hi Paul,
    I also read Poke the Box and the thing that stood out for me the most was the notion of “just starting”. I am going back into sales after 8 years of being home raising my 2 daughters and I have to say that I’m more than a little apprehensive; many of my contacts have since retired or have moved on to other things. So at 48 years old I’m STARTING over.
    I want to thank you for all your insight and tips and tricks, your web-site has truly been a godsend for me.
    Thanks,
    Kelly

    1. Kelly,

      I can’t tell you how much I admire you for taking the time to raise your daughters. My wife and I made that sacrifice as well and it was worth it!

      Please let me know if I can help you in any way.

    2. Kelly,

      I can’t tell you how much I admire you for taking the time to raise your daughters. My wife and I made that sacrifice as well and it was worth it!

      Please let me know if I can help you in any way.

  5. Paul, the best book on that subject is an old one (copyright 1949) “How I raised Myself from Failure to Success in Selling” by Frank Bettger…

    My copy is little musty..but the tips inside are top notch….

    I really liked Chapter 34 …Ben Franklin’s secret of success and what it did for me….

    it’s always great when we can get up again and again and succeed… john

    1. I love that book John . . . it was the very first book I ever read on the subject of sales.

      I highly recommend it to all who read this thread.

      Thanks for mentioning it John!

    2. I love that book John . . . it was the very first book I ever read on the subject of sales.

      I highly recommend it to all who read this thread.

      Thanks for mentioning it John!

  6. Thanks for sharing. I am back up to bat again after a year layoff.
    I know about the lack of self esteem, and mine was sliced bologna.
    I get early eveyday and thank the one above for the chance to make a living selling. Glad I joined!

    1. Sorry to hear about that 1 year layoff.

      I applaud your spirit and ability to continue to give thanks . . . its so critical in this journey or ours!

  8. Right? I mean to Keri and Michelle. Paul seems to be on the same wave length with me most of the time. Short story. Yesterday at 10:32am I got an e-mail from a potential new client I’ve finally connected with saying something like, I have to get going to the meeting, sorry your estimate didn’t make it in time. Followed by the estimate I needed coming in at 10:35am. ARRRGGGHHH. I’m chomping a the bit for my next at bat! (Pardon the mixed metaphor)
    Lisa

  10. Paul, I’ve said it before and will say it again…(and again, and again, and again)… you ROCK my friend!

    You’ve given me a ton of inspiration and stellar information and as far as I’m concerned, you have not only gotten your next at bat, you’ve hit it out of the park! :o)

    Wishing you a happy Friday and an awesome weekend…I remain…

    Virtually Yours,
    Anne-Marie

  11. Love, love, love that quote, so true! I have also re-entered into sales after 7 years home with the kids. This site is SUPER helpful and inspirational. Thank you so much!

    Louann

  12. I seem to be extraordinarily busy today, therefore decided to skip your blog. Couldn’t do it. The Headline hooked me and the body made me glad I took the time, once again. Thanks.

  13. Great piece! Thanks for bringing it to your blog. We were made to keep coming back from adversity.

  14. Paul,

    Thanks for the encouragement (once again). Two and a half years ago we lost our family company and I carried (still do) a debt load that I refused to walk away from and leave my creditors hanging. Long story short, two months ago I swithed companies and went from commercial printing to comsumer packaging goods printing. I did not have a base but saw the potential. It also gave me the opportunity to start a side business. I now have the opportunity to really “hit out of the park”.

    Thanks again
    Bob

    1. I had no idea Bob.

      Your story is a wonderful testimonial for creating those additional “At bats”.

      Now point to left field and belt the heck out of that ball Bob!

  15. This one hit home for me based on where I am in my career at this point. I’m presently fighting for the chance to succeed again and when it comes, watch out world!

    Thanks Paul!

  16. Thank you all for taking the time to respond and share.

    Here’s to getting another chance at bat.

    Go get ’em everyone!

    Respectfully,
    Paul Castain

  21. Uncle Paul,

    Thanks for the encouragement! After looking for work for almost 10 months, I decided to start a business. Anything new is not easy but a challenge to improve yourself!

    Thanks for the article as we all could use another at bat!

    Cheers,

    Larry

  22. Uncle Paul,

    Thanks for the encouragement! After looking for work for almost 10 months, I decided to start a business. Anything new is not easy but a challenge to improve yourself!

    Thanks for the article as we all could use another at bat!

    Cheers,

    Larry

  23. Hi Paul.

    You never fail to inspire me. To know you walk the walk puts you on the short list of Rock Stars. Any time I doubt myself, I find myself re-energized when I think of your story.

    While I mean no disrespect to Him, I’m thinking maybe there should also be a WWPD bracelet (tie-die colors, of course)!

    Thanks for keeping it real, my friend.

    John

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