D. Fierst

As we wrap up 2024, I find myself reflecting on what a whirlwind this year has been. Normally, the holidays are a time to slow down (outside of the frantic gift wrapping and food shopping, of course). But this year, I’m charging ahead at full speed: rewrites, social media posts, new book projects, all on top of the usual demands of work, family, and day-to-day life.

It’s safe to say I’m operating at 99%. Not exactly the picture of balance and rest. But that’s not the only “99%” that’s been on my mind.

I’ve been thinking a lot about failure. Specifically, how much failure it takes to succeed. If I’m honest, 2024 was a year of 99% failure: rejections, missed opportunities, things not going as planned. And yet, I don’t see that as a bad thing. In fact, it’s taught me something in looking at the flip side of the idea:

You only need 1% to succeed.

Think about it. To achieve anything (a published book, a sold painting, a business that takes off) you don’t need perfection or an endless string of wins. All it takes is that one breakthrough. One door to open. One person to believe in you or your work.

The truth is, success to some degree is inevitable if you keep going. You’ll fail 99% of the time, but eventually, you’ll get that 1%. It’s not about avoiding failure. It’s about outlasting it.

There’s a cliché that “true failure is never trying,” and while that’s true, it doesn’t quite capture what I mean. The real message here is about being relentless, even fearless, in the pursuit of your goals. Whether you’re creating art, starting a business, or chasing a personal dream, it’s all an expression of you and the worth you place in yourself.

Lately, I’ve been hearing more and more often a phrase that drives me crazy: “It is what it is.” It’s often said with a shrug, like we’re powerless to change things. But we most certainly are. Especially in decisions about what we do, how we do it, and what we will or won’t accept. Sure, life can feel overwhelming—the tides are strong, and waters deep. But we’re also not just listless passengers on a journey.

Yes, you might fail 99% of the time. But somewhere in that 1% is your moment. It’s practically inevitable if you keep showing up to fail until you don’t.

So, as I step into 2025, I’m holding onto that 1%, and I hope you do too. Whatever you’re working toward, keep going. Fail, learn, adapt, and try again. That breakthrough is out there waiting for you and I, for one, think you’re worth it.