One morning as I was looking for something to read in the Jacksonville airport I found a book called, "Never Eat Alone," by Keith Ferrazzi. It is about networking, but not the usual "always carry your business cards" kind of networking.

Ferrazzi gives some uncommon advice about making connections every day, in every area of your life. However, my favorite advice is not really about networking. Here it is: "Ultimately, everyone has to ask himself or herself how they're going to fail. We all do, you know, so let's get that out of the way. The choice isn't between success and failure; it's between choosing risk and striving for greatness, or risking nothing and being certain of mediocrity."

Wow! That really resonated with me. I have had several conversations about just this subject recently. Yes, when you take risks you take the chance that you might fail. And, you will suffer some embarrassment. But six months from now, only one person will remember that you failed: you. Everyone else is too busy concentrating on their own lives.

When you look back on your life, do you think you will regret the times you failed, or the things you never even tried?

Copyright Cathy Stucker. As the IdeaLady, Cathy Stucker helps authors, entrepreneurs and professionals attract customers and make themselves famous. To learn more about business success and get free tips and strategies, visit Cathy at http://www.IdeaLady.com/