EP 249 If You’re Not Failing, You’re Not Trying Hard Enough

In this solo episode, Shannon Jamail gets real about something every retreat leader needs to hear: failure isn’t the enemy - it’s proof that you’re in the game.

If you’re not failing, you’re not trying hard enough. Shannon dives into why “falling short” - whether it’s your finances, your workshop, your attendance, or your execution - isn’t something to avoid, it’s something to learn from.

You can hire the best coach, join the smartest program, and learn from the pros… and you’ll still make mistakes. The difference? You’ll fail faster and smarter.

Shannon also shares how community is the real secret weapon for success - and how the Retreat Industry Forum is designed to bring that support, connection, and collective wisdom together for retreat hosts ready to grow.

Key Takeaways

• If you’re not failing, you’re not stretching yourself enough.

• Failure doesn’t mean your retreat “flopped” — it means something fell short and gave you data.

• The biggest mistake is waiting on the sidelines instead of doing the thing.

• Coaching and programs can help minimize expensive mistakes, but you’ll still fail — that’s how you grow.

• Community is what turns failure into forward momentum — and that’s exactly what the Retreat Industry Forumis all about.

The Retreat Leaders Podcast Resources and Links:

• Learn to Host Retreats
• Join our private Facebook Group
• Top 5 Marketing Tools Free Guide
• Get your legal docs for retreats
• Join Shannon in Denver at the Retreat Industry Forum 
• Join our LinkedIn Group
• Apply to be a guest on our show

 

Thanks for tuning into the Retreat Leaders Podcast. Remember to subscribe for more insightful episodes, and visit our website for additional resources. Let’s create a vibrant retreat community together!

 

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Timestamps

Failure as Evidence of Progress (00:01:09) Explains why failure means you’re taking action and is a necessary part of growth in the retreat business.

Defining Failure in Retreats (00:02:10) Clarifies what failure actually looks like in retreats—missed goals, missteps, and learning opportunities.

Personal Failures and Lessons Learned (00:03:17) Shannon shares her own failures and how each one contributed to her growth and resilience.

Taking Action vs. Waiting (00:04:27) Encourages listeners to take action rather than waiting for perfect conditions, emphasizing learning by doing.

The Necessity of Investment (00:05:24) Discusses the importance of investing time, money, and energy into building a sustainable retreat business.

Retreat Industry Forum Promotion (00:06:32) Promotes the upcoming Retreat Industry Forum event, highlighting its value for industry professionals.

Value of Coaching and Courses (00:06:32) Explains how coaching and courses can help avoid mistakes but emphasizes that failure is still part of the process.

Treating Retreats as a Business (00:07:37) Urges listeners to approach retreats professionally, not as a hobby, and to invest in education and growth.

Importance of Community (00:08:40) Highlights the role of community and support in overcoming challenges and learning from others in the industry.

Continuous Learning and Industry Evolution (00:09:45) Stresses the importance of ongoing learning, innovation, and collaboration in the ever-evolving retreat industry.

Encouragement and Call to Action (00:10:53) Encourages listeners to keep moving forward, join the community, and treat their retreat business seriously.