If at first i don't succeed...

Today is the day I get the James Clear email.  There was something said in that in a way I had not considered before that resonates with me.  He was talking about success and had three bits of advice including, "Take all the energy you spend on...worrying about the past, future, what others think and if you might fail... and channel that energy into one useful action within your control."
What hit me was him saying "Stories of failure resonate more than stories of success. Few people reach the top, but everyone has failed—including those who eventually succeed… Start with how you failed."
Just about every true story I have read or movie I have seen about a character that stands out, starts with them failing.  Not everyone succeeds but everyone fails – some in epic fashion.  Yet my thinking is that failing does not make me a failure.  Giving up before I succeed does.
But what got me about what was said “Start with how you failed” - that is something everyone can relate to.
It really ties in with what I try to do when writing (with varying degrees of success).  When faced with using a big or little word I chose the little word as more can understand and relate.  Using the little word means everyone can understand and go on the journey with me.  But using a bigger word excludes.  My thinking is it is better to include where possible.
Where I worked at a university had a building without a lift.  I thought anyone in a wheelchair cannot get to the department.  To me that potentially excluded someone who might be the one to solve a vexing problem.  I was pleased to see a lift added.  Also, when it comes to politics, I refuse to declare a favouritism as that potentially excludes up to 50% of people and maybe more.
By the same token not everyone can relate to success and to speak only of that excludes many.  Yet when I am willing to talk of failures and successes all can relate to the first part of my story.  Anyone who stays with me is generally wanting to experience success for themselves.
Looking back on my life I have had epic fails and in parts of my life I still experience them.  Yet I have also known and also know success.  It is the getting through the failures and experiencing success that resonates.
That does not mean I dwell on failure as that is not where I live, but I do talk about it as the relatable backdrop to success.
My story of success has involved a really good mentor.  Someone who’ advice and guidance has always been good.  Failure happens but it is a stepping stone rather than a stumbling block.