Failing at something can be upsetting, especially if it’s something you’re passionate about. Failing doesn’t mean giving up though. As Rocky said, it’s not about how hard you hit, it’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. So if you fail, don’t be afraid to try again. Easier said than done, but it can be done, just ask these guys.

1. Thomas Edison

Thomas Edison is most known for inventing the light bulb. It’s also well known that he failed over 1,000 times while doing it. It’s a good thing he never gave up or those romantic candle lit dinners wouldn’t be as romantic.

2. J.K. Rowling

After being rejected by 12 publishing agencies, it was picked up by Bloomsbury. Even then the editor still told her she might want to get a day job because she hasn’t much chance in selling children’s books. She’s now known as the author of one of the most well-known book series in the world and for her killer Twitter clap backs.

3. Oprah

Oprah’s first boss told her she wasn’t a good fit for television for being too emotionally involved in her stories. Now she has her own television network. Besides, who else would be cool enough to give their viewers free things? You go girl.

4. Walt Disney

His first company went bankrupt and in 1927 MGM studios told him a mouse on screen would scare women. Disney is now a childhood icon and without his success there’s no “Finding Nemo” and without Nemo there’s no “Finding Dory”. Do you really want to live in a world without Dory? Do ya? Do ya? Do ya?

5. Stephen King

Publishers told him they had no interest in “Carrie” because nobody is interested in reading sci-fi novels. It was rejected 30 times and he threw it away. His wife got it out of the trash and encouraged him to keep writing. And well, now he gives everyone nightmares but he’s extremely successful and that’s what we’re going for here.

6. Steve Jobs

In 1985 Steve Jobs was removed from Apple, but he didn’t go broke. He was however, criticized. He wanted to prove he wasn’t a fluke so he created NeXT. In 1996 Apple was struggling and they acquired NeXT, and a year later Jobs was CEO. Can you imagine if everyone had an Android? Yikes.

7. Elvis

After performing at the Grand Ole Opry, his manager said he has no future and should go back to driving trucks. He decided to follow his dream, and that dream made him a legend.

8. Colonel Sanders

Colonel Sanders is known for having one of the best chicken recipes. He was in business for 25 years before Interstate 75 was built and wiped out his customer base. At 65 years old he was broke. He drove around looking for a restaurant to buy his recipe. He lived in his car for 2 years and was rejected over 1,000 times. I’d like to personally thank Colonel Sanders for his perseverance, a true hero to chicken lovers everywhere.