Don’t stop running.

That’s the lesson we can learn from Landon Donovan. As you likely know, Donovan was the player who scored the goal that kept the United States alive in the World Cup soccer tournament. You’ve probably seen the video of him booting the ball in after another player had missed.

What you might not realize is that Donovan had actually passed the ball to another player a few seconds earlier. After passing the ball, he could have slowed down and watched to see if the other players were going to score.

He didn’t. He kept running. As a result, when the ball bounced off the goal-keeper, Donovan was there to send the ball into the back of the net.

Donovan’s goal set off a wild celebration by the U.S. team and its fans. Instead of being eliminated, they won their group and get to play in the single-elimination part of the tournament.

Sports Illustrated’s Grant Wahl talks about how the U.S. team has a flair for drama and a whole lot of heart in an article about the match. He recaps the heroics and Donovan’s comments about the joy he feels now after playing poorly in the World Cup four years ago.

“I’m so glad it culminated in this way,” Donovan said. “It makes me believe in good from the world. And when you try to do things the right way, it’s good to see you get rewarded.”

So in business and in life, sometimes we need to keep running. Who knows how many people give up just before they find success? They get frustrated at the slightest failure and stop.

Instead, look at failures as learning opportunities. When something doesn’t go right, then you’ll know what not to do next time. Successful people learn from their mistakes.

So keep trying. Keep running. You never know when you’ll get the opportunity to reach your GOOAAAALLLLL!