4 Ways to Turn Failure Into Your Friend

This post loosely accompanies Gab & Jam Episode 108 Failure is Your Friend

(video: http://bit.ly/Ep108failurevid and podcast: http://bit.ly/Ep108failurepod ).

It occurred to us that, as an emerging band/brand/artist, we truly benefit from our failings. If not for having NOT gotten plucked from obscurity when we began and if not for having pitched meekly for nearly 3 decades, we would never have decided to do what we’re doing now. We would have never have decided to be bold and tenacious and as prolific as we are. It has been through things NOT working out that has made us bound and determined to change our approach, to change our rate of pitching and distributing, and to change our vision for ourselves and for our art. (If you are not familiar with our story, see http://bit.ly/allthethingsprej .)

In fact, no longer are we content to find people who can give us the record deal—the OLD standard of success—but now, we want to build something independent of ANY one company and where our tribe—music fans, paying brands, those inspired by our plans—can connect with us directly. We do not want to compromise on our message and on our creative vision in order to maintain any one relationship. And, actually, because we have changed our approach and pitch so freaking much, we have had the gumption to turn away several “opportunities” because they were not in line with our vision and did not meet our expectations as far as valuing our worth. —This NEVER would have happened in the past! —Now, after reassessing your idea of success for you and your art, then make a commitment to make failure your friend. (If you're not a member of our Facebook group, what's stopping you? http://bit.ly/diyrockstarjoin )

Here are 4 ways to take advantage of adversity: