What If You Tried 200 Times? A Life-Changing Perspective on Success

Did you know that, on average, a baby falls about 200 times before they learn to walk? It’s a simple yet profound fact that can change how we perceive failure and persistence.

The Lesson We Forget as We Grow Up

Think about your own life. Have you ever tried something and failed? Most of us give up after just a few attempts. But babies? They never stop. Despite the pain, frustration, and constant falls, they keep going until they succeed.

Why Do Babies Never Give Up?

When a baby is learning to walk:

• They have constant support from their environment. Family members encourage them every time they fall.
• No one tells them to quit. On the contrary, every fall is met with cheers and support to try again.
• They don’t believe in failure. The thought of “I can’t do this” never crosses their mind.

Imagine if adults approached their goals with the same persistence and support. If we fell 200 times and kept going, what would we achieve?

The Pain of Failure and Society’s Influence

Failure is not just a mental burden; it can hurt physically, too. Yet, as adults, we’re quick to quit. Someone might say, “I’ll work out every day,” and immediately hear responses like:

• “You’re too tired after work.”
• “It’s too cold; you’ll quit soon.”

Sometimes, even the disapproving look from others is enough to make us give up. Unlike babies learning to walk, adults rarely receive the same patience or encouragement.

Why Do We Stop Trying?

Perhaps the difference lies in experience. Parents know that a baby will eventually walk because they’ve been through it. But when it comes to other goals—starting a business, learning a skill, or getting fit—people often lack that same confidence.

Instead of encouraging persistence, society tends to say, “Maybe it’s not meant to be” after a couple of failures.

Ask Yourself: Have I Tried 200 Times?

Before giving up on a dream, a skill, or a goal, ask yourself:

“Have I tried 200 times yet?”

Success is often closer than we think—it just requires the persistence of a child learning to walk. If you try and fail 200 times, the results might surprise you. You might discover capabilities you never knew you had.

Knowing When to Let Go

Years later, we also learn another lesson:knowing when to quitis as important as persistence. Seth Godin’s book The Dip explains the value of quitting at the right time.

But before you decide to quit, remember this: Success may simply require you to try one more time.