a.k.a. How To Become Friends With Failure So You Can Enjoy More Success

Do you have great plans… but notice something is holding you back?

Do you have an idea… but then get that sinking feeling when you think about starting it?

I was very successful throughout school and university. When it came to the entrepreneurial path, suddenly there were different rules. With no-one telling me what to do, I had to decide on next action steps with no guidelines for which attempts would work and which would crash and burn. My failure muscle was weak and I avoided putting it to the test by procrastinating and choosing ’safe’ paths that led nowhere interesting.

 For many of us, we have been taught that FAIL is a four letter word - a negative experience to be avoided at all costs. The thought alone can bring us out in a cold sweat and get our heart pounding; the prospect of failing can cause symptoms of anxiety such as sweaty palms and shallow breathing. Does this sound like you?

I knew my business could never move forward and I could never achieve those truly great goals if I kept seeing failure in this way. I decided to create a new perspective for myself.

The difference between failing being a painful experience and it being a learning experience is perspective. This is the shift you will experience on this workshop.

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Oh it feels like Spring has come early! There was me, fear of failure dragging me down with a sense of no possibility to change. I could easily have wimped out and not come - driving down from Nottingham in the snow and ice - but I made it and had the chance to reconnect and recommit to myself. I showed myself that trying repeatedly can be fun. I discovered what it's like just to do it, not over-think it, and I ended up singing in front of the group! Now THAT surprised me. I'd say to anyone: unlock yourself from the prison of failure. The key is on the inside of you. - Penney Poyzer, Author/Broadcaster/Green Campaigner      penney.poyzer@gmail.com

I’m Corrina Gordon-Barnes, a certified coach and experienced workshop facilitator. This workshop has been running since June 2008 and has helped dozens of people to get unstuck and move forward. It has evolved out of my own process, out of the successes I was witnessing when my one-to-one coaching clients took a different approach to failure, and has also been informed by dozens of interviews I have carried out to find out what holds people back from finding and following their passion.

I have found that a willingness to fail is one of the key characteristics of a successful person. By risking failure, we open up new opportunities.

Before this workshop, my perspective was that failing was purely negative. Now, my perspective is that failure is merely an opportunity to reassess and move forward in a new direction. This workshop has given me the courage, power and confidence to take risks - J. Nobes

The workshop runs from 10am till 4pm and is accompanied by a workbook; we use this on the day and it also provides you with an effective reminder of the process when you return home.

* Why you’ll never move forward if you see failure in your old way

* How fresh perspectives can impact how you feel and the choices you make

* How to tailor-make a unique perspective on failure

* How to create an action plan which will lead you to success 

I had a fab time, thanks for the great workshop. I came along with fears about about starting my own business and worries about having no money. Now my new perspective will enable me to go forward - the analogy I chose is SO helpful! I found the workshop very easy-going, smooth and well-organised. And I nattered all the way home to London with one of the other participants!" - Denise Thomas, London www.thegreenqueen.co.uk

If you were working through this process on a one-to-one basis, you would be paying £85 per hour. This workshop is just £65 for the whole day (or £55 if booked at the early-bird price) AND you get to share the journey with others who are also committed to moving forward. I am always struck by how quickly the participants become a cohesive group and by how generously they support each other.

Reserve your space now at the early-bird price.

Upcoming dates:

Sat 20th June, 10am - 4pm. Euston, London. £65/£55 early-bird (ends April 30th)

Do book now to avoid disappointment. I keep each workshop to only 8 participants and 5 people have already registered for the June event.

I found the day really insightful, informative and inspiring. In particular, I loved the active aspect of getting on to the 'Perspectives Wheel' and physically and emotionally experiencing what a different outlook would be like - Rachel Green, Life Coach & Nutritional Consultant, Appetite for Life

For more about this approach, read my blog post here.

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When your booking is complete, you will receive all the logistical information you need about the workshop. 

FAQs

1. Is this workshop only available in Cambridge and London?

At the moment, yes, although this hasn’t deterred previous participants who have travelled from Nottingham, Hereford, Dorset and Devon to shift past this common block.

I am also looking for affiliates to host this workshop in other locations. In return for finding a venue and promoting locally, you can attend the workshop for free or receive £55 as a cash thank you. Contact me if you are interested in this.

2. Is this workshop exclusively for female wannabe entrepreneurs?

Most participants have been self-employed already or about to take that leap e.g. writers, healers, virtual assistants, TV presenters & musicians. We have also had parents, employees and students. To date, there have been more female participants than male but men are certainly very welcome. Any further questions, please do email me or call: 01223 415113.

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I had constant fear of failure. In fact, I nearly didn't come because of lack of confidence. I was surprised at how close the group became, and how much support there was. We were all in the same boat and so I wasn't worried that others were judging me. I am now less afraid of failure. I would recommend this workshop if failure is an issue for you - Katie Cheung, Student, London

"This issue was preventing me from making the most of the opportunities I have, and from searching out news ones. I didn't know what to expect from this workshop really. I've never done anything like this before so I was a little unsure of how it would work and whether I would find it useful. Now I feel really motivated to use everything I've learnt today. I have realised that I can set my own goals when it comes to success, not just follow everyone else's. I would recommend this to a friend - I'd say that it would give them a totally new perspective" - Louise Payn, Full Time Volunteer

Fear of failure used to stop me from trying. It was a really big deal and made me feel really unsatisfied with myself. In this workshop, I got to actually practise failing which helped me see the playfulness, the lightness and the possibilities in failing. I was surprised to discover that I enjoy trying - that it's fun to explore. I'd recommend this workshop if you want to freshen things up and get a boost of energy" - Julia Paterno, Carpenter and Joiner, Cambridge

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This workshop is also available as a one-hour version, priced at £100 for a group of up to 12 people. Contact me about bringing this to your group or organisation e.g. conference, networking group, teacher training course or Sixth Form festival (see examples below).

@ The Leys School, Sixth Form Festival

I'm more positive in my outlook. I'll keep trying and not put myself down all the time.

Now, if I were to fail, I'd know not to give up - or even that failure is natural. Just move on or take it as feedback.

Sixth Form Students

@ Shine UnConference For Entrepreneurs

I knew my perspective on failing held me back and it was something I'd always wrestled with. Now I feel inspired, have renewed energy, and actually I may be able to do those things I want to.

My perspective on failing was damaging my project: I didn't want to admit that failure happened because to do so would admit my fallibility. I now see I need to admit I'm human and not a robot! This workshop is going to hopefully have a really positive effect. I now realise that the only person to make that change is me.
- Ruth Rogers, Body Gossip, www.bodygossip.org

Contact me to discuss your requirements.