Success is not final, failure is not fatal.
It is the courage to continue that counts.
-Winston Churchill
I. Rejected from Seven Universities
When I was 18, I wanted to be a computer scientist. So I applied to seven U.S. universities known for computer science. MIT, Cal Berkley, Georgia Tech, etc. But I got rejected by all of them.
Soon thereafter, a high school guidance counselor told me to apply to The University of Central Florida in Orlando, which had a rapidly growing computer science and engineering program. Out of desperation, I did. And I got accepted and received a scholarship.
And when I settled on Orlando, the move changed my life.
I met Angel there – my wife and the love of my life. And I met a professor, Dr. Eaglan, who convinced me to switch from the school of computer science to the school of computer engineering, with a strong focus in web design and technical writing – two skills I use today to run the blog you are reading now (a website that makes me happy and financially supports my family
).
If I hadn’t been rejected by those seven computer science schools, neither of these priceless encounters would have taken place.
II. Your Writing is Not Good Enough
While in school, I began to enjoy my technical writing classes so much that I decided to take a few creative writing electives too. I absolutely fell in love with writing inspiring stories and expressing myself in prose.
So I applied for a part-time editorial position at the school newspaper. I sent them five articles I had written along with my application. Two days later I received an email which cordially explained that my writing was not good enough.
That afternoon, I went home with a bruised ego and told Angel what had happened. She hugged me and said, “Regardless of what anyone says, if writing makes you happy, you should keep writing. Because that’s what happy writers do. They write.”
And after a bit more discussion, she added, “I like writing too. We should start our own little writing club and write together.” A few minutes later, Angel and I turned on my computer and registered the domain name www.marcandangel.com, and our blogging days began.
In other words, if my five articles hadn’t been rejected by the school newspaper, the article you’re reading right now would never have been written.
III. Fired for Doing the Right Thing
After college Angel used her business degree to land a head store manager position at a major retailer. She was in her twenties and she was running a $40,000,000 store all by herself. Although some of the regional executives thought she was too young, she was doing far too well for them to do anything about it.
Until one day in 2009, when one of her floor managers got a DUI on a Friday evening and went to jail. He didn’t have enough money to post a $600 bail, so he called Angel to let her know that he would not be able to make it to work the next day. Angel decided to lend him the $600 he needed. The regional executives found out about this and fired Angel the next morning without a valid explanation.
Suddenly Angel had a lot of free time on her hands. While she looked around for another job, she spent her afternoons marketing our blog. She learned all about social media marketing, and opened accounts for us on Facebook, Twitter, and other social networking sites – the primary source of traffic to our blog today.
We didn’t know it then, but the traffic was going to grow exponentially over the next three years, and by January 2012 our blog would be making enough money to completely replace Angel’s lost salary, allowing her to work on it full time and get paid for being happily passionate
.
If Angel hadn’t been fired, none of this would have happened.
Failures Along the Road to Happiness
As our friend Steve Jobs once said
, “You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something – your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life.”
The truth is, it happens just like that. What seems like the end of the road may just be a cul de sac. It feels like rejection. It feels like failure. But it isn’t.
You simply ran out of road on that route. Time to back up, turn around, and look for a new route to get where you want to go. And as long as you keep smiling and moving forward, the road ahead is going to be far better than you can imagine. Because eventually, through all its twists and turns, it leads to happiness.
So if you’re currently struggling, hang in there. Remember, sometimes the best thing that can possibly happen to you in the long run is not getting exactly what you want right now.
Photo by: J.T. Noriega
Alyssa Calderone says
Marc & Angel – I am a daily reader and you both have inspired and help change my thought process and actions towards life. I wanted to thank you particularly for this blog and sharing some of your most intimate failures with me. I appreciate it enormously and it makes you both more relate-able as people and not just as the “writers of the blog.” Thanks for all you do, you are more helpful than you realize.
Love,
Alyssa
Carmela D says
Such inspiration. Most times when I read your blog, it is common sense that you do not see in the world today. Today’s is very compelling to listen to. Most times you “see” what you want and when you do not get it, it’s the end of the world. If you stay grounded and actually look around, you will see where you should be headed. Thank You for sharing the insight it is a wonderful thing to read.
Jerrywhyte Obamwonyi says
Hello Marc and Angel,
Reading your posts each time is always like source of fuel for my happiness and my journey to the top.
I love your guys’ work here so much, now i know how ‘Marc and Angel’ came about and how you met.
Great!
Chhirag says
This is really inspiring.
And I think cul de sac itself means ‘end of the road – turn around.’
kim Sanderson says
I really liked this one and could add a number of similar entries – so true!
aila says
Thank you once again Marc & Angel… You guys always know what to say to make my days better… I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your articles and try my best to apply what I have read to make my life a little less stressful although some days are harder than others your articles help TREMENDOUSLY…. 🙂 HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY. Aila
Margaret@WellnessCircle says
Another great post Marc! I really enjoyed reading it. It is always in failure that we move up to our own happiness. There will always be blessings in disguise that will actually lead us to great things in our life. I’m glad that those failures that you had leads you to a beautiful and happy life sharing your thoughts and experiences to the people reading your blog and I’m one of them.
Saro says
I have been starting every day with a dose of your blog. It is amazing!
Candice says
I’m sure this article touched many people this morning, but I believe it was specifically for me!
This morning, I woke up to unusual feelings and thoughts of fear and failure. And as I was making my declaration for combat the feelings, my ‘new email’ beep on my phone (which is strange, b/c I usually put my phone on silent when I go to bed…or put it in another room), and I read this article and almost jumped out of my skin! #s 2 and 3 are almost EXACTLY the experiences I had that were dealing with me this morning!
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I am truly and inspired not to quit, and to keep moving forward no matter what life throws my way!
Helen says
It feels a bit weird to be saying this, but…Marc, I’m so glad you got rejected by all those universities, and that Angel was fired from her job… their loss, our gain!
John Clayton says
Super story, and right on the money. I always told my two wonderful daughters – Michelle & Heidi – that most folks in life will only knock on 20 doors of opportunity and then (with no one saying YES) give up. I told them if you REALLY wanted what you said you did, and if you refused to take NO as any sort of answer, you’d knock on the 21st door – and that would be THE one that opened. I decided in 1991 to get on LA radio with an offbeat travel show. Everyone told me it was impossible, LA far too competitive. I was on KABC, KKGO, KMZT & KNX for a very successful 16 years total. Never give in, never give up. Persistence DOES work! How much do YOU really want what you say you do?
Tamal Krishna Chandra says
It is always a good idea to follow your passion. But sometimes people don’t understand which way they should go. This is why they make mistakes. Now if there is someone to tell them what is wrong and what is right, this special person brings a big difference. You are right and surely the story of your life is quite inspiring. I would love to recommend your site to all of my Facebook friends. I understand, it must be your passion. Otherwise, it is always possible to write every article with your heart and soul. I read almost all posts you right. It feels like when you write you put everything in it and take so much care to organize your thoughts.
Ara Bedrossian says
I’m reminded of a quote by Milan Kundera:
“Chance and chance alone has a message for us. Everything that occurs out of necessity, everything expected, repeated day in and day out, is mute. Only chance can speak to us.”
Thanks for failing.
🙂
Aliece says
Love your blog, recommended by a friend and you have been helping me with my life challenges. Read nearly everyday after an extreme move away from Family and friends. So it’s as if your blog is my new friendly conversation. Thank you!!
Santia says
This is just AWESOME… Couldn’t be any clearer. Thanks Marc and Angel. Life seems more manageable since I start reading your posts.
Mr. Happy says
I’ve been reading your blog for about a year now. It’s made a lot of difference in my life. Very often you say things that help me, or remind me of something I have forgotten. Everything you have written has applied to my life in some at least tangential way.
Thanks!
Myriam says
This fits like a glove!
I got pregnant in high school, my senior year, of all the years, and was forced to abandon my dreams of leaving my hometown for the college I have longed for all of my life (UCLA). Quite frankly, with all the odds stacked against me and my baby in arms, everyone doubted that I would finish high school, much less pursue a higher education. Long story short – I graduated with my high school class. I got my BS in Accounting. My MBA this year. And am now working on my second Master degree – Masters of Accountancy.
Had I not had my little baby when I did, I am not quite sure I would have had that same fire inside of me that kept me going forward and never allowed me to give up.
That little baby girl (who turns 18 this year) is the reason why I ‘failed my way to happiness.’
Karim says
You’re the best motivator. I love your articles and not only read them, but also spread them by forwarding them to my friends. These three stories are amazing and prove that the things that happen right now are necessary for your future if you take them as a chance.
Donna says
Spot on! When one door closes etc etc. Rather than seeing rejection as a bad thing I take it as an opportunity to figure out what I really want and am normally steered in the right direction.
Marty says
Your blog so useful, I just subscribed. Nice work!
Brian says
Nice one Marc. The Universe is benevolent, everything happens for a reason. If we can embrace what is and move forward life will just keep getting better. The energy we spend fretting delays or negates our possible bright future.
Heather says
Whoa… Deja vu. I, too, was rejected by my ‘main’ college choices and wound up at UCF on what seemed like a whim. I have heard ‘average at best’ used to describe various aspects of my creativity, but yet have I’ve made a heck of an award-winning career out of that so-called mediocrity. And then found myself writing a new chapter in life after a very public, disruptive ending. All of which have been lovely blessings. Cheers to your success, and thanks for the inspiration (and walk down memory lane).
KT Lite says
Beautiful. Touching. Inspirational. There really are no coincidences. Thanks for reminding me of my faith Marc and Angel! 🙂
priya says
Hi Marc and Angel,
I cannot say how much this blog helped me today. A couple of hours back I gave a certification test and I failed. This test would help me find a career but unfortunately I didn’t get through. I put in so much effort and hard work aiming this test. I was very disappointed, sad, cried and lost all my hopes. I came back home and like everyday opened your website. After this blog, I’m now smiling and feeling positive that I have something else in reserve and that I should definitely continue forward n smiling. Thanks a ton. You really made me feel good after a long day.
You re the best.
Priya
jes says
It’s really great to hear these inspiring stories from both of you. Your previous failures are really meant to motivate and enlighten the life of a lot of readers. I am honestly one of those who feel blessed by your creative and magnificent works.
Kate says
Thank you very much for being here for us.
Prau says
LOVE YOUR BLOG! It’s like my perk every morning. It keeps me going. Keep spreading love and happiness! 🙂
Michelle says
I sure hope so, because what I want is definitely not coming my way. I’m hanging in there but it’s been a pretty tough go. My husband dumped me the beginning of August after ten years. I had a 2 year roller coaster ride in which I beat breast cancer but some days I don’t feel like I can beat this. Why does love have to be so hard??? I know, one day I will look back at this as one of those had to back up and start over moves. So I’m pushing forward…
Free Spirit Butterfly says
LOVE this post!
Getting ready to write in my journal the blessings that resulted in my “failures, rejections and disappointment.”
Love the story about meeting your soul mate 😉
Thanks again!
fsb
Elaine says
I love your blog so much, I only receive your emails and look forward to your inspiration. You are both blessings and I thank you for helping me steer clear on a good path when it seemed my life was falling apart. It’s come back with more light, happiness and gratefullness
Praveen says
Inspiring read. Hope is a good thing, may be the best of things and no good thing ever dies…
Macy says
Both of you are heaven sent. Your blog has been my guiding light during my darkest days. I cant thank you enough. Keep on writing!
a.p. says
thank you for this post. i am in a tremendously difficult spot in my life right now (lost hours at my job because of a coworker who decided to tell my boss i was considering a new job.. that fell through) and i have been desperately trying to tell myself that i am supposed to be here, that around the corner something is waiting for me. and although this post made me cry, it also has made me realize that i just need to shine on through. and that i am ok. thank you for reminding me of that.
Carmelo says
Sometimes, heck – all the time – the dots aren’t connected until later on. We live our lives either in action or inaction.
Those are such great examples of how action breeds results even if we don’t know what those results will be! I think we so often just follow others leads when our lives would be so much happier if we took the initiative ourselves and “made waves” and discovered things. Never sit back and wait.
Kris says
This is just what I needed to read today. Yesterday, when it appeared, I was too busy, but today it makes so much sense. I love the part where you wrote that we just need to trust that the dots will connect sometime in the future. I am going to take that with me. Thank you!!
Tylor Elliott says
Hi Marc and Angel. I am tewnty-one years old, and currently a college student. My step-father introduced me to this blog (found it originally on Stumble), and to tell you the least, this blog has helped me. I have had many difficulties in school, my family, and anxiety in general, but when this site pops up in front of me, life seems to make sense.
You guys do a wonderful job in keeping my head above the water, and I’m sure that there are many more out there who feel the same.
Thank you. So much.
Karen says
Marc and Angel —
Your blog is one of a few seemingly small things that I’ve incorporated into my life — I read it everyday. You two have changed my life and my outlook and I am forever grateful. Don’t ever stop!
Thank you!
Much love,
Karen
Karen says
I do so love your blog and today’s was something I so needed to hear. I’m wildly passionate about photography, mostly the beautiful outdoors and all the eye candy nature provides. I somehow want to share what makes me go “ahhhh and ooooo” with others through blogging. Taking that first step is scary and my subconscience seems to hide that desire to start a blog from me. I know I need to step out of my comfort zone and get going…take that first step!
Thanks for your inspiring words.
Deone Higgs says
When I was in high school, I went to my guidance counselor and asked her what I needed to do to get into a good college. I was probably in the 10th grade at the time. Instead of her telling me to step my game up and do better, she told me to do my best to get out of high school and find a local job in the small town I was from. I wanted to become an author, but I believed her that I wasn’t good enough. Although, I didn’t last long in the small town, I served in the Navy, was a reservation supervisor for a major airline, and a flight attendant. At the age of 35, I’m just now pursing my dream of becoming a writer and author. In order to win, sometimes we have to be told that we are going to fail. Never give up just because someone else doesn’t think you’re good enough. They have no idea what your potential may be, or they know exactly what your potential is and trying to deter you from reaching it.
Great post! 🙂
Sonia says
Hey Marc & Angel,
I have always heard that LEADERS are born and I would say this for you guys but in with a slightest change, “You guys are born for Writing”. There is a mix of inspiration, motivation, support, love in your writing and above all we get a reasoon to stop and think about what we are doing in our lives. Thank you for being one of the reason why I have changed.
With love,
Sonia
Nessa says
I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for writing your wonderful thoughts. You do more than you know -I’m currently living abroad, with emotions and stories that I never knew existed! My journey here was no straight path, but honestly, knowing I’m not the only one who has failed so much in order to see life’s true happiness -Thank you, and much Love, always. Your site makes me feel like I’m home, especially when I’m at a low point. Namate~
Sundar says
Just the right message for the day. I was seriously thinking of throwing away my struggling start-up, when I see this today. Thanks – It only tells me to pursue further and not give up at this age.
Jyoti Bhardwaj says
I really love this.
Its true that you have to trust your faith and karma.
richn says
Marc and Angel,
I am one of your silent readers! I glance here now and then and have always found inspiring articles here.
This article of yours was one that moved me the most, perhaps it is the personal nature of this article.
I used to think that I had gotten “off track” in my life due to some failed relationships etc. However, now I have learnt so much due to being off-track that I am actually thankful!
Jadal says
I have just read an article about an exceptional couple’s struggles. Thank you for sharing. I can only guess that your writings have inspired a lot of people including myself. Thank you so much Marc and Angel.
TonyEspo says
I love this story and I love your blog. I’m a 65 year old retired guy who is finally able to be retired. For so many years I have worked for someone else making them rich. Now I have decided to enjoy life and hopefully I can pass on great information like your blog to others. I hope you don’t mind, I added a link to your blog on my website. Your blog should be shared with the world. God Bless you both.
Mike says
Thanks. I needed this today more than I can ever tell you.
Marcelo says
I believe this was the most inspiring post on this site. I’m rethinking a lot of things
Nicole says
Thank you soooooooooo much for this article and many others you have written. I have been in a very deep depression the past two weeks re: a personal failure and I just haven’t been able to see any light even with my friends encouragement. This article really helped me put things back into perspective again and try to refocus to move forward. I appreciate your blogs more than you can imagine.
Margaret says
Just what I needed to hear right at this moment. Thank you so much, for your kindness and willingness to share.