A young banker made an appointment to meet with the bank president, who was soon to retire. The younger man was in line to be the new president, and he was seeking advice as he prepared for his new responsibilities.
He had one basic question: How had the older gentleman become so successful? His predecessor looked at him and said two words: “Good decisions.”
The young man, wanting more detail, pressed further and asked how one could come to make good decisions. “Experience,” his predecessor said.
The young banker continued his line of questioning. How could someone gain experience? The older man replied, “Bad decisions.”
– Tony Evans
Pondering Life : Pursuing Success 