Throughout history, most if not all SUCCESSES have been after a string of failures. Both of the Rutan's have had many failures. Unfortunately (due to TV/Hollywood where everything succeeds the first time) the public believes that failures indicate someone is a loser, or a failure.
In reality, failures are a sign of progress towards success, and success is usually not possible without some failures.
Just check to see how many light bulb filaments FAILED, before one was found that was a SUCCESS!