In 1998, Microsoft was proudly showcasing the new Plug and Play feature of Windows 98 at COMDEX, one of the biggest tech events of the time.
Bill Gates stood on stage with his assistant, Chris Capossela, ready to demonstrate how smoothly the feature worked.
But instead of a seamless experience, the system crashed into the infamous Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) – live, in front of a massive audience.
The crowd gasped. It was a moment that could have been disastrous.
But instead of panicking, Gates laughed it off and quipped,
“That must be why we’re not shipping Windows 98 yet.”
That response turned what could have been a career-defining embarrassment into a moment of resilience.
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What Can We Learn from This?
1. Failure Is Inevitable – How You React Matters More
No matter how much we prepare, things can (and will) go wrong.
Whether it’s a failed job interview, a project setback, or an unexpected challenge, grace under pressure is what sets people apart.
Gates didn’t let the moment define him – he embraced it and moved forward.
2. The Show Must Go On
Instead of shutting down or letting the failure overshadow everything, Gates and his team continued their presentation.
In life, when we face setbacks, we have a choice: stop and dwell on the failure or keep moving forward.
3. Great Success Often Comes After Public Failure
Windows 98 went on to become one of Microsoft’s most successful operating systems.
A single failure – no matter how public – doesn’t dictate the final outcome. Similarly, many of our personal and professional setbacks are just stepping stones to bigger achievements.
✅ Next Time You Hit a “Blue Screen” Moment…
Remember, life isn’t about avoiding failures – it’s about handling them with confidence, humor, and perseverance.
👉Every setback is a setup for a comeback.
💪 So, the next time life throws an error message at you, take a deep breath, smile, and keep going. The best is yet to come.