I failed...

Published on February 17, 2026

Read Time: 5 minutes | Written by: Abbey Ashley from The Virtual Savvy

Currently obsessing over: Last week's Valentine's box-making marathon with my kids. It was Evie's last year to make a box... how is my baby growing up!?

I failed... so I'm celebrating.

I celebrate failure.

Not the kind where you quit on yourself.

The kind where you tried.

The kind where you put your name on something.
Hit publish.
Made the ask.
Started the thing.
And risked someone saying no.

That kind of “failure” deserves a standing ovation.

In January, I set a goal to paint our bedroom. I was ready to go for the dark, moody, "spa vibe"...

And then… life.
Work.
Kids.
Travel.
Snowstorms (that one should have helped but... don't judge I just stayed in and drank cocoa).

Bottom line - I didn’t finish.

If I stopped the story there, I could say:
“I failed. I made a goal and didn't reach it”

But here’s what’s actually true:

The room is further along than it was in December.

It’s not done.

But it’s not untouched either.

And that matters.

Because unfinished progress still beats untouched potential.

The same is true in business.

You posted your services but didn’t land the client yet?
You’re further than the person still rewriting their bio.

You sent the pitch and got ignored?
You’re further than the one who never hit send.

You launched and it didn’t “blow up”?
You’re further than the one who’s still “almost ready.”

I don’t celebrate failure because I love losing.

I celebrate it because it proves I was brave.

Brave enough to try.
Brave enough to be seen.
Brave enough to risk being wrong or looking "silly".

The bedroom isn’t staying half-painted.

I’m finishing it by the end of February (recommitment!)

So if you’re staring at something that feels unfinished…

Good.

It means you moved.

Now finish it.


You're going to be a full-time Virtual Assistant - here's how

Let me break it down for you.

If you’ve been wondering whether it’s too late to become a Virtual Assistant…
Let me stop you right there. You can absolutely become a full-time Virtual Assistant - and you can do it in the next 12 months. And this is the plan of how you’re going to do it. In this video, I'll break down a 12-month plan to replace your full-time income with virtual assistance.


Last week in Burbank...

Last week I hung out with the Dubsado team in Burbank, CA

What an awesome week - the Dubsado team flew me out to Burbank last week to represent YOU. They wanted to know how they can serve Savvies better. What can their software do to serve our clients and us better... You can catch a recap of my trip over on Instagram.

If client workflows, automation, and organization are on your to-do list, Dubsado is exactly what you need.

What is Dubsado?

Dubsado is an all-in-one client management system for freelancers and service-based businesses.

It helps you send proposals and contracts, collect payments, automate workflows, manage projects, and keep all client communication in one place.

And the best part? You can try it 100% free!

✅ Set up workflows that save you time

✅ Send invoices & contracts effortlessly

✅ Keep everything organized in one place

Dubsado gives you unlimited full-access to their Premier plan for 21 days, so you can see the full experience before upgrading. 🤯


Wins of the week

Celebrate these recent Savvy Wins from students in our programs! Ready to kick off your own dream career as a virtual assistant? Watch this to get started.


Featured #JobOpps

Did you know that remote job opportunities are posted in our VA Savvies Community every day? Here are some recent #jobopps posted this past week:
Operations Specialist with The Motherhood

Remote Executive Assistant — Leadership Training Company

Fractional Executive Assistant

Executive VA with podcast experience

*Please note: These opportunities are not verified from The Virtual Savvy. Please do your own due diligence when applying for these, or any remote job opportunities. Here is an informational video that you can help you know how to protect yourself from online scams.


VA All Day

We've got a VA Resource for you every day!

📹

Monday

Binge our VA YouTube Channel!

Go to Youtube →

🖥️

Tuesday

Find Community in our FB Group!

Join the Savvies →

📘

Wednesday

Student Development Day!

Celebrate wins →

📱

Thursday

Get VA tips on Instagram!

Go to Instagram →

📄

Friday

Catch Up on the Savvy Blog!

Go to the Blog →

♥️

Weekend

Self-Care

Take some time to unplug!


Choose Your Own Adventure

How can we help in your VA journey?

Curious about all this?

Start your VA journey with this FREE training!

Click here →

Ready to Launch?

Let's land your first client in just 90 days.

Click here →

Time to level-up?

Grow your VA biz with The SavvyVault!

Click here →

This email may contain affiliate links to products we've tried and LOVE. This means we may earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you) if you sign up for a program or make a purchase using our link.


Unsubscribing stops all emails from us - including job opps, free training you registered for & updates tied to your purchases. If you simply need to update your email address, use second the "Update Your Email" link below. We’re cheering you on either way!

Unsubscribe | Update your Email | 1839 E Independence #14668 , Springfield, MO 65814

The Virtual Savvy

Learn how to launch and grow your virtual assistant business from scratch, plus get our latest VA resources and job listings all in one place. Signup and I'll send you my free VA Business Launch Checklist so you can take the first steps towards the flexible, sustainable at-home business of your dreams.