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
Will @ Dream About Life says
Your story really depicts the whole “everything happens for a reason.” I’m still on my journey to attain the thing that really makes me happy and I’m glad to hear that you have gone through something similar and have come out on top. It truly gives everyone hope that sometimes we don’t see the path that’s set out for us, and all we can do is trust in the step that’s right in front of us. You’re definitely one of the more inspirational bloggers that I follow and I hope to duplicate your success one day. Great post!
FFT says
Always love your posts Marc and Angel. It’s amazing that your failures led you to each other and a highly successful blog. You deserve the glory.
Thank you for these stories. A perfect way to illustrate the positives in failure.
Willy says
Oh my God, this article is so good and inspiring. Thank you Marc and Angel. Bless you always for everything you do to inspire others.
peter says
A nice reminder that when one door in life closes, many more can open.
Angelie says
What an amazing story! <3
Laura M. says
Great post. Needed to hear this today. I’ve failed many times in the past, and I have learned that everything you say here is true. Because many of my greatest successes, the ones that have made me really happy over the years, can be directly tied to those failures from years ago.
Thank you for the reminder. I ? your inspiring posts.
Gaurav R says
Hey Marc and Angel,
It was really nice to hear how you two made it through all those difficulties in life..
I wish you both a happy and prospering life in mere future 🙂
Trish says
Thanks for sharing your stories. Your failures along the path of destiny, eventually finding happiness and sharing on your blog have truly been a blessing to me. I always find inspiring truths, wisdom and recommendations for some really good books to read.
Bina says
I can’t possibly say how glad I am that you guys ran out of road on those routes. Love your blog and I honestly believe you are making the world a better place by writing and sharing your thoughts.
Rob says
“Inspiration and genius; one and the same.” ~Victor Hugo
Sarah Wahid says
Hi Marc and Angel,
I dont know how to begin writing this comment but I am always moved and touched by your blogs. I must say they are truly motivating and inspirational and urges you to make the right things and choices in life. Always helps you to be yourself!
I just wanted to wish you all the very best for your future and keep up the great work. Thank you so much for such a beautiful website. Love you both.
Yours humble fan,
Sarah 🙂
TJ says
Isn’t it amazing how everything ends up being great in the long run? Life always has its ups and down. Never give up, not only moving on, but moving up! 😀
THANK YOU Marc and Angel
Bless you abundantly for being a source of positivity in my life.
Vruti says
Hey superb article… I am from India. I read your articles in the morning and they always make me smile… Thank you. Keep Blogging guys. 🙂
eLena says
A great message worth spreading. Very inspiring post! Thank you Marc & Angel.
damngringo says
I agree with the general stance of this article, but would like to know your broader philosophical views. Does this mindset leave us with the idea that there is fate and everything is predetermined? Other readers feel free to answer too.
Szilvia says
So inspirational!
Today I’m grateful for the blessed feeling of being happy for someone else’s happiness. 🙂
Karina says
I had a very unpleasant night last night when I felt nothing makes sense anymore in my life, I’m not good enough, I’m too weak/too scared to change anything though etc. etc. It felt like a blessing to wake up to today’s entry- thank you 🙂
Lazioman says
Very inspired! One could write a book about it these experiences.
Brahmafeat324 says
This post directly applies to what is going on in my life this very minute! Thank you so much for these words today!
meenali says
Hey Marc & Angel… Your blog has changed my life. It’s so inspiring that I have started living positively. Thanks for such inspiring quotes and thoughts each week. You deserve the success and happiness you’ve found.
Marianna says
Reading this just gave me goosebumps!
All I can say is THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
for all the INSPIRATION, GUIDANCE, MOTIVATION…LOVE
Keep it up please!
Joy says
There are no mistakes in life only choices. Every single choice we have ever made has lead us to right here, right now.. And right here right now is pretty good.
Ani Todd Smith says
As always, great post. One door closes, another one opens. Have a great week!
michelle says
Marc & Angel, a really strong (she doesn’t realize how strong) friend shared your blog w/ me. I’m hooked. Todays message is absolutely perfect. I’m 44, a single mom who was married 21 yrs. I had to leave the marriage to find out who I am. Its scary. Earlier this week I wrote a homemade birthday wish for my friend. The poem was out of my bible, & just a birthday prayer. No big message, I just didn’t have the cash for a gift, so I put a big heart around my message. He hasn’t said anything yet about it. It was scary to share something so personal. I’m hoping he isn’t as afraid as me. This man excites me from the inside out. Thank you for sharing. I’m freaking scared… love you guys, & always look for your words of wisdom and inspiration 🙂
Sean says
You two are amazing, I always get something positive from your blog, and I share it regularly with my wife, friends and anyone who will listen….Thank you
Atta Hanson says
Wow!!! What a great post. Inspirational. Truly it gives everyone hope that sometimes we don’t see the path that’s set out for us, but we have to trust in the step that’s right in front of us.
Robacarr says
Ever since I found your blog, I have loved your posts. Now that I realize you are a fellow UCF alum, I love them even more. You two are doing amazing things. Such wisdom. Keep it up!
Anuradha says
Love your inspiring stories Marc and Angel! (as always)
Every post refining my thoughts and ideas…
Thanks a lot friends!
abby says
I really like the concept of running out of road. Nicely put.
And thank you for this and all the other articles. Thought provoking and comforting.
Allan F. Wier II says
Thanks so much for posting this one in particular. It comes at just the right time for me and gives me that extra nudge of encouragement to keep on going. Bless your hearts! Namasté
Becky says
Your words always touch my heart. Seems I can find a way to make them apply to where I am at a given moment. Really needed to hear these words this morning. Struggling through a life transition and doubting some decisions I have made. I’m going to hold fast to your closing paragraph: 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.
Thanks, Marc and Angel! I’m so glad your paths led you to where you are!
Andrew Diamond says
I can’t say enough about how much your writing and your blog inspires me. Each day that I read a new blog, I go through a process of inspiration that helps to drive me toward my goals in life and business.
I want to thank you for the work you do. I have the feeling that if I met the two of you I would even more impressed and inspired.
Abinaya says
This is one of my favorite articles of yours.
Loved the quote by Steve Jobs! Fits so well with your message here.
Very well written 🙂 And I’m so glad that all your failures led you guys to a beautiful destination, your website.
Love you guys!!
Nina says
This was a great way for me to start my day. Thank you for sharing your inspiring stories!
Marilyn Dalrymple says
Thank you for posting the above blog entry. I appreciate and enjoy knowing something about you. Your blogs affect me deeply and I look forward to receiving them every day.
Cherie says
Love… it’s perfect and inspiring!
Ruby says
Thanks for this post. This is actually my first reply on a blog, ever. But I was really moved by what you wrote on getting fired for doing the right thing. I was recently fired from from a social service agency (I am social worker) for rescuing a dog which was abused, neglected and abandoned from a client’s home. I won’t go into the convoluted details, but I did make an error in finding it a home rather than taking it to animal control. It took several days for me to get my bearings, but now I am headed in a completely new direction. It’s scary and the future is uncertain but I am renewed and energized by the prospect of working for myself doing something I feel passionate about. And, I will be a regular visitor to your blog!
Mandy says
Very very amazing story!! God has plans for us, we just gotta discover them. Great inspiring post. Thanks guys. 🙂
Maple says
I love this post, thanks for sharing. Things happen for a reason. Disappointments, failures and misery today may just be blessings in disguise. All we need is faith and to keep up the positive spirit to move forward.
dee says
Thank you so much for your inspiring writings. Today’s message could not have come at a better time, my road is curving in a new direction, the road has been rough… I do trust and believe I will head where I am supposed to be. “When your angels need you to move on, you will.”
Rick says
Great post and thank you for sharing…
So it’s true: Everything happens for a reason & when one door closes another will open for those who persevere and keep pushing forward.
Christopher says
Excellent – just what I needed to hear this morning – what a blessing. Time to get back up and keep fighting with positive expectancy.
joanne morton says
Once when I was feeling like a failure, my uncle told me that our family doesn’t fail – even when we fail – we’re failing for the right reason -and this is one of the most profound pieces of advice I have used along the way – from one of my “crazy uncles’. I love hearing how others use their challenges to help them grow… I too have been connecting the dots of my past to see where I am right now! I’m about to sign a lease that will change my life & my life purpose forever, I’m a little nervous. I’m more excited because I know no matter what by stepping up to the experience is going to lead to more success. Love your blog – Love your experiences!
magic passion love & marc&angel!
Patti says
Your story was just what I needed to hear this morning! I am stuck in a job that absolutely drains the life out of me. Each day I feel like I have to get up and get my boxing gloves on to be ready for the problems that I am going to face. I am an artist, and I love doing creative things. I also write and illustrate children’s books. I am pushing towards the day that I can give up the 8 to 5 job routine and start doing what I really love.
Amandah says
Great stories!
It was nice that you had Angel by your side. Most people don’t have anyone in their lives to help get through the rough spots. I do believe it’s easier to get through the hard times when you have support. If you’re alone, you’re fighting an uphill battle by yourself, but you still have to keep fighting.
Shevawn says
Your life lessons have inspired me from day one! You two rock!
Matthew says
A great post. Reminded me of the book Zen and the Art of Happiness – a book everyone should read. =)
Donna says
Love this one. But how do you get paid for writing this blog? The ads? Just curious.
deborahhawkins says
I love your blog, and this story of how you started is inspirational. As a former writing teacher, I am so sorry anyone every discouraged you. So glad you kept on doing what you love! Great post!
Jolie says
One of my favorite sayings:
A kick in the butt is a step forward.