Success is not forever and failure isn't fatal.

Host: The calm of the evening enveloped the room, the quiet providing space for deeper reflection. Jack sat at the table, his fingers resting lightly on his cup, contemplating Don Shula’s words. Jeeny stood near the window, her gaze directed outward, reflecting on the meaning behind the statement.

Jeeny: “I’ve been thinking about what Don Shula said: ‘Success is not forever and failure isn’t fatal.’ It’s such an important perspective on life, isn’t it? The idea that success isn’t guaranteed to last, but neither is failure the end of the road. There’s a kind of freedom in that, don’t you think? It means we don’t have to be so afraid of failure, because it’s not final.”

Jack: “Yes, exactly. Shula is really emphasizing that both success and failure are temporary states. We might have a moment of success, but it doesn’t mean we’re immune to setbacks down the road. And when we fail, it doesn’t define us. Failure isn’t the end—it’s just part of the process. This kind of mindset gives us room to keep moving forward, to keep growing, and to keep trying, knowing that nothing is permanent, neither the highs nor the lows.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. And I think it’s also about resilience. Knowing that neither success nor failure lasts forever means we have to be willing to keep pushing. Success can be fleeting, and failure can feel discouraging, but neither of those moments should stop us from moving forward. Shula is teaching us that growth happens when we understand that both success and failure are just parts of a much bigger picture.”

Host: The stillness in the room deepened as they both reflected on the meaning behind Shula’s words—how success and failure are temporary states, not fixed identities. Jack’s fingers rested on the table, while Jeeny’s expression softened, considering how easily people can get caught up in the idea that success must last, or that failure is the end.

Jack: “It makes me think about how much pressure we put on ourselves to maintain success or to avoid failure at all costs. We act as if both are permanent, as if one moment of success should last forever, or that failure will define us. But Shula is reminding us that the key is perspective. Success isn’t permanent, and failure doesn’t have to be fatal—it’s all part of the journey. We just need to keep going, regardless of where we are in that moment.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. There’s such freedom in not letting either success or failure dictate who we are. Success doesn’t define our worth, and neither does failure. They’re just experiences we go through, not the final verdict. Shula’s quote really allows us to see that we don’t have to cling to success or fear failure. We just need to keep moving forward and learn from both.”

Jack: “Yes, and that’s what makes this mindset so important. If we stop fearing failure and stop putting so much pressure on success, we free ourselves to be more resilient. We allow ourselves to fail and learn, and when success comes, we don’t feel like we have to hold on to it forever. It’s all part of the process of growing and evolving.”

Jeeny: “Yes, and it takes away the weight of thinking that failure is somehow final. It lets us take risks, try new things, and not be paralyzed by the fear of failure. Shula shows us that the key is to keep going, even when things don’t work out as planned. Both success and failure are just stepping stones along the way.”

Host: The quiet in the room grew deeper, as they both reflected on how Shula’s words offered a perspective that removed the pressure of either success or failure. The understanding that both are temporary and that neither defines us gives room for growth, resilience, and movement. Jack leaned back slightly in his chair, while Jeeny’s gaze turned from the window back to him, both understanding that the true measure of success is not in how long it lasts, but in how we respond to the journey.

Jack: “So, Shula is really showing us that success isn’t about maintaining a perfect record—it’s about how we handle the inevitable ups and downs. The real strength comes in knowing that neither success nor failure is permanent, and that both offer opportunities for growth.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. Failure isn’t the end, and success isn’t the final destination. Shula is reminding us that the journey is ongoing, and what matters is how we respond and keep moving forward, no matter where we are in that cycle.”

Host: The evening had fully settled in, their quiet understanding a reminder that success and failure are just parts of the larger journey of life. Don Shula had reminded them that both are temporary, and neither defines us. The world outside had darkened, but inside, there was light—a recognition that true growth comes from how we navigate both the highs and lows, learning and evolving along the way.