I learned that even devastating loses can be turned into thriving businesses.

11 years ago, I invested in a start up franchise.  They were small but their business model was incredibly well through out.  Two and a half years later, they filed BK due to lack of funding.  I lost about $100k.  It was devastating.

I subsequently rebuilt the business and altered the model to reflect what I thought was a better service delivery.  Last year was the best I've ever had.

After the bankruptcy, I could have left the business as som nay others did.  But I believed in the service and I was committed to making it succeed.  Inner belief was the key and the willingness to change what wasn't working with strategies that did.