Nic Haralambous is an entrepreneur based in Cape Town, South Africa who has built a career successfully failing, a writer, and soon-to-be published author of the book, “Do. Fail. Learn. Repeat.” In this episode, we’re discussing all things failure, and why doing is the best way to learn.
Nic has been a doer since a young age, starting to code at the age of 10, building websites and businesses through his teens, and eventually studying journalism at Rhodes University.
From building a social network to a sustainable, bamboo sock company, Nic’s entrepreneurial spirit has led him to accomplish a lot, but great success also comes with great failures.
Do. Fail. Learn. Repeat.
His new book explores the methodology that has helped him build businesses over the last 18 years, titled “Do. Fail. Learn. Repeat.” Through telling his story, Nic hopes to reveal the painful, yet fulfilling, the reality of being an entrepreneur, which the mainstream often glorifies. He hopes to share the behind the scenes of success, which includes pain.
“For me, an entrepreneur is someone who dedicates their life to creating things. Building businesses and building things… Entrepreneurs find gaps in the market and plug those holes.”
In his TED Talk called “Living at the Forefront of Incompetence,” he speaks about the importance of going out, building, and learning what doesn’t work, so that then you can achieve success. However, for most people, they believe failure is a bruised ego or an endpoint, so they become afraid to even try.
“You should be aiming for failure and then you’ll reach success. We all try and aim for success and then get bummed out by failure.”
Failure Is Painful but Positive
Nic is quick to admit that while he now recognizes failure as a lesson and a growing period, it is still disappointing and frustrating. However, framing it in a positive light will help you appreciate it and use the experience to propel you or your business forward.
He also shares how his psychologist was instrumental in helping him become more self-aware about how his anxiety was controlling his experience, and how his partner helped him realize the importance of apologizing and listening well.
Nic’s Challenge To You:
Do. Everyone has an idea or wish for what they could do. There are a million reasons not to do something. Or, you could just try. You may be surprised at how resilient you are. And watch less TV!
Contact:
His book “Do. Fail. Learn. Repeat.” will be available on Amazon on July 1!
Medium: Nic Harry
Twitter: @nicharry
Instagram: @nicharry
Website: NicHaralambous.com
Business: Nic Harry Socks
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