Almost every working creative person I know has a story about the overly critical teacher, the cruel playground remark, or the scathing review that made them feel like quitting. Some of these slights were imagined, some were real, and some were richly deserved.

American business is fast paced, entrepreneurial and built on rugged individualism. While many nations have business cultures that run away from risk and avoid 'breaking new ground' at all costs, US business seeks them out almost like a moth is drawn to light.

Success happens when we go outside our comfort zone, stretch ourselves beyond recognized limits and experience new people, places and things. Success happens outside "normal", and the only way to reach it is to walk though failure without losing your enthusiasm.